إسماعيل

Ismaili

boySwahili form of Arabic Ismāʿīl

Ismaili is a Muslim boy name meaning “Form of Ismail, the Prophet”.

MeaningForm of Ismail, the Prophet
GenderBoy
OriginSwahili form of Arabic Ismāʿīl
Arabic spellingإسماعيل
Pronunciationis-mah-EE-lee
Muslim name?Islamic / Arabic name

Meaning and origin of Ismaili

Ismaili is the Swahili form of Ismāʿīl, the Prophet Ishmael, son of Ibrāhīm, who helped his father build the Kaʿba. The name is often explained as 'God hears'. Note that in English 'Ismaili' also refers to a branch of Shia Islam, but in Swahili it is simply the personal name with the usual final -i.

Is Ismaili a Muslim name?

Yes. Ismaili is a Muslim name in East Africa, the Swahili form of Ismail, the Prophet Ishmael.

Is Ismaili in the Quran?

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

Where is the name Ismaili used?

Used in Tanzania and Kenya.

Gifts with the name Ismaili

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Spellings and variants of Ismaili

More boy names like Ismaili

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ismaili mean?

Ismaili means 'Form of Ismail, the Prophet'. It comes from Swahili form of Arabic Ismāʿīl.

Is Ismaili a Muslim name?

Yes. Ismaili is a Muslim name in East Africa, the Swahili form of Ismail, the Prophet Ishmael.

How do you write Ismaili in Arabic?

Ismaili is written إسماعيل in Arabic script.

How do you pronounce Ismaili?

Ismaili is pronounced is-mah-EE-lee.

Is Ismaili mentioned in the Quran?

He is praised 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.