Last Name Ismael

The surname "Ismael" or "Ismail" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic name "Ibshir Ibn-al-Hasan al-Isma'il," which means "born to Hasan, the Ismaili." In Islam, Hasan and Hussein were sons of Prophet Muhammad, and the Ismailis are a branch of Shia Muslims who trace their spiritual lineage through Ismail ibn Jafar, an early Imam. The name is also common among Jews, particularly those of Middle Eastern or North African descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ismael

The meaning and origin of the last name Ismael

The surname Ismael is primarily of Arabic origin, stemming from the Islamic world. It is derived from the name Ishmael, which appears in the Quran and the Bible as the first son of Abraham by his concubine Hagar. In Arabic, the name Ishmael translates to "God will hear" or "whom God hears." Over time, this name has been adopted and adapted in various cultures, resulting in numerous spellings such as Ismail, Ismael, Ismaël, Ishmael, Esmail, etc. The surname Ismael can be found among Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern communities, and it may also appear in other regions where people of these cultural backgrounds have settled or migrated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ismael

The surname Ismael is predominantly found in regions with significant Arab and Muslim populations, such as the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Spain (where it is known as Isabel). A substantial number of people bearing this name can be found in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. It is also common among Arab communities in Spain. In recent times, due to migration and globalization, the Ismael family name has spread to various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, particularly among immigrants from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ismael

The surname Ismael has several variants and spellings across different cultures and languages. Some common variations include Ismail, Ishmael, Ishmael, Esmail, Esmaël, Ishmael, Isaak, Izaak, Izak, and Isak. These variations may be due to transliteration from Arabic, where the name is written as إسماعيل (Ismā'īl), or they may be influenced by regional dialects, cultural practices, or historical events. In English-speaking countries, Ismael and Ishmael are the most commonly used forms of this name. It is essential to note that the spelling of a surname can often depend on the specific country, region, or family tradition where it originated.

Famous people with the last name Ismael

Among individuals bearing the surname Ismael, notable figures include:

1. Jorge Ismael Gomez (born 1945), a Colombian former footballer and manager who represented Colombia at three World Cups as a player and managed several international teams.
2. Jose Ismael Serrano (1873-1965), a Cuban lawyer, poet, essayist, and political figure, widely regarded as one of Cuba's most important literary figures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Ismael Merchant (1921-2004), an American film producer known for his work with director James Ivory and their collaborations on films such as "Howards End" and "Remains of the Day."
4. Ismael Cruz Córdova (born 1987), a Puerto Rican actor who has appeared in shows like "Narcos," "The Exorcist," and "Foundation."
5. Ismael Bey (1936-2009), an American film and television actor known for his roles in the films "Cotton Comes to Harlem" and "Trouble Man."
6. Ismaël Mbonabiyo (born 1984), a Congolese professional footballer who has played for several clubs, including French club AJ Auxerre and Swiss club FC Sion.
7. Ismael Bulle (born 1979), a Senegalese-French football coach who served as the manager of French Ligue 2 club AS Nancy and Congolese national team.
8. Ismael Sánchez (born 1945), a Mexican former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball from 1967 to 1979, primarily with the San Francisco Giants.

Genealogical research on the last name Ismael

The Ismael surname is of Hebrew origin and means "God will be heard" or "God hears." It has been documented in various regions, including Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East, due to historical events such as the Expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and the Moorish conquest of Iberia. The name Ismael is also found among Arabic-speaking populations, especially those of the Islamic faith. Notable figures with the surname Ismael include Ismael Bulluci, an Argentine footballer, Ismail Axewch, a Bulgarian pop singer, and Ismail Ahmed, a British entrepreneur and founder of WorldRemit. In genealogical terms, it is recommended to research records related to immigration patterns, Jewish communities, and Islamic populations in the areas where the Ismael surname is prevalent for a more comprehensive understanding of its origins and dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ismael"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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