إسماعيل

Ismaila

boyArabic (Hebrew via Arabic), West African form

Ismaila is a Muslim boy name meaning “God hears; the Prophet Ismāʿīl”.

MeaningGod hears; the Prophet Ismāʿīl
GenderBoy
OriginArabic (Hebrew via Arabic), West African form
Arabic spellingإسماعيل
Pronunciationis-MAH-ee-lah
Muslim name?Islamic / Arabic name

Meaning and origin of Ismaila

Ismaila is a West African form of Ismāʿīl, the Prophet Ishmael, son of Ibrāhīm and Hājar, who helped his father build the Kaʿba. The name means 'God hears'. The final -a is typical of Hausa, Wolof and Mandinka forms, and Ismaila is common across Nigeria, Senegal and the Gambia.

Is Ismaila a Muslim name?

Yes. Ismaila is the West African form of Ismail, a Prophet named in the Quran.

Is Ismaila in the Quran?

'And mention in the Book Ismāʿīl. Indeed, he was true to his promise' (Quran 19:54).

Where is the name Ismaila used?

Common in northern Nigeria, Senegal, the Gambia and Guinea.

Gifts with the name Ismaila

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Spellings and variants of Ismaila

IsmailIsmaelIsmaeelIsma'ila

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More boy names like Ismaila

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ismaila mean?

Ismaila means 'God hears; the Prophet Ismāʿīl'. It comes from Arabic (Hebrew via Arabic), West African form.

Is Ismaila a Muslim name?

Yes. Ismaila is the West African form of Ismail, a Prophet named in the Quran.

How do you write Ismaila in Arabic?

Ismaila is written إسماعيل in Arabic script.

How do you pronounce Ismaila?

Ismaila is pronounced is-MAH-ee-lah.

Is Ismaila mentioned in the Quran?

'And mention in the Book Ismāʿīl. Indeed, he was true to his promise' (Quran 19:54).

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.