إسماعيل

Soumaïla

boyMande/Songhai form of Arabic Ismail

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

MeaningForm of Ismail, a Prophet
GenderBoy
OriginMande/Songhai form of Arabic Ismail
Arabic spellingإسماعيل
Pronunciationsoo-mah-EE-lah
Muslim name?Islamic / Arabic name

Meaning and origin of Soumaïla

Soumaïla is a West African form of Ismāʿīl, son of Ibrāhīm. The opening I- is dropped and a final -a added, a pattern found in many Manding and Songhai adaptations. Malian politician Soumaïla Cissé made the spelling widely known. In Ghana and northern Nigeria the comparable form is Sumaila.

Is Soumaïla a Muslim name?

Yes. Soumaïla is a Muslim name, a West African form of the Prophet Ismāʿīl.

Is Soumaïla in the Quran?

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

Where is the name Soumaïla used?

Common in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Gifts with the name Soumaïla

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Spellings and variants of Soumaïla

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More boy names like Soumaïla

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Soumaïla mean?

Soumaïla means 'Form of Ismail, a Prophet'. It comes from Mande/Songhai form of Arabic Ismail.

Is Soumaïla a Muslim name?

Yes. Soumaïla is a Muslim name, a West African form of the Prophet Ismāʿīl.

How do you write Soumaïla in Arabic?

Soumaïla is written إسماعيل in Arabic script.

How do you pronounce Soumaïla?

Soumaïla is pronounced soo-mah-EE-lah.

Is Soumaïla mentioned in the Quran?

The Quran says: 'And mention in the Book Ismail. 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.