Ismail

Ismail is a British surname of Arabic origin, commonly found among families of Muslim heritage. The name is derived from the Islamic prophet Isma'il (Ishmael in English), who is considered an important figure in the Abrahamic faiths.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Ismail is believed to have been brought to Britain by immigrants from countries with significant Muslim populations, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The name itself means "God will hear" or "God has heard" in Arabic, reflecting the Islamic belief in divine listening and intervention.

Distribution and Variations

The surname Ismail is fairly common in the United Kingdom, particularly among British Muslims and their descendants. Variants of the name may include alternate spellings such as Ishmael or Ysmael, reflecting different transliterations of the Arabic original.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Ismail is not as well-known as some other British surnames, there have been individuals with this surname who have achieved notable success in various fields, such as academia, business, sports, and the arts. Due to the privacy of individuals, specific examples are not readily available for this entry.

Cultural Significance

The surname Ismail carries with it a sense of cultural heritage and religious identity for those who bear it. It can serve as a reminder of one's roots and connection to the broader Muslim community, both in Britain and around the world.

In conclusion, the surname Ismail represents an important part of the diverse tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the multicultural nature of modern British society and the contributions of Muslim communities to the country's history and culture.

There are approximately 5,962 people named Ismail in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,589th most common surname in Britain. Around 92 in a million people in Britain are named Ismail.

Region of origin: Middle East

Country of origin: Turkey

Religion of origin: Muslim

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Abdul
  • Ahmed
  • Ali
  • Ibrahim
  • Ismail
  • Mohamed
  • Mohammad
  • Mohammed
  • Muhammad
  • Yusuf

Female

  • Aisha
  • Amina
  • Asha
  • Farah
  • Fatima
  • Fatma
  • Hodan
  • Mariam
  • Saira
  • Salma
  • Sarah
  • Yasmin

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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