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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ismaila

Ismaila

♂ Boy

Pronounced iss-mah-EE-lah /ˌɪs.mɑˈiː.lə/Medium

Meaning: Ismaila is a West African form of Ismail (Ishmael), from Arabic Isma'il, ultimately Hebrew Yishma'el, 'God hears' or 'God listens'. Common across Muslim communities in West Africa.Medium

In 30 seconds: A West African Ismail: Ismaila means 'God hears' (said 'iss-mah-EE-lah'), a warm form of Ishmael.
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningIsmaila is a West African form of Ismail (Ishmael), from Arabic Isma'il, ultimately Hebrew Yishma'el, 'God hears' or 'God listens'. Common across Muslim communities in West Africa.
U.S. rank (2024)#11431 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 61

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201120032024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ismaila is a West African form of Ismail (Ishmael), from Arabic Isma'il, ultimately Hebrew Yishma'el, 'God hears' or 'God listens'. It is widespread in Muslim West African communities (said 'iss-mah-EE-lah').

It is rare in the U.S. but familiar in West African communities. A faith-rooted heritage pick.

Did you know? Ismaila is how Ismail (Ishmael) reads across much of West Africa — from Arabic for 'God hears'. The name carries a message that prayers are heard (said 'iss-mah-EE-lah').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Ismaila — West African form of Ismail/Ishmael; Arabic 'God hears'

Variations

IsmailIsmaelIshmael

Nicknames

IsmaMail

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ismaila…

Ismail— the standard form Ismaila carries
Ismael— a like Spanish/Romance spelling
Ibrahima— a like West African prophetic name
Mamadou— a like West African Muslim name

Explore names like Ismaila

By themearabicheritagewest-africanfaith

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ismaila mean?

Ismaila is a West African form of Ismail (Ishmael), from Arabic for 'God hears' or 'God listens'.

How do you pronounce Ismaila?

It's said iss-mah-EE-lah /ˌɪs.mɑˈiː.lə/ — four syllables, stress on the third.

Is Ismaila a boy or girl name?

Ismaila is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Ismaila?

Ismaila is rare in the U.S. but familiar in West African communities.

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