The word "Ishma" can be a bit confusing when it comes to spelling because its pronunciation and spelling don't quite match up. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈɪʃmə/, which represents the sounds "ish" and "ma". The "sh" sound is represented by the combination of the letters "sh" and the "a" at the end is pronounced like the "a" in "comma". So, while it may look like it should be spelled "Ishmah" or "Ishmaa", the correct spelling is simply "Ishma".
Ishma is a proper noun that refers to a masculine given name with Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, the name "Ishma" (pronounced as "ish-mah") is derived from the word "yishma" which means "he will hear." In Islamic tradition, Ishma is also recognized as the Arabic form of the name Ishmael, the son of the biblical figure Abraham and his wife Sarah's handmaid Hagar. According to the Old Testament, Ishmael was born to Abraham when he was 86 years old, fulfilling God's promise of making him the father of many nations. Ishmael went on to become a prominent figure in Arab genealogy and is considered the forefather of the Arab people.
The name Ishma or Ishmael is often associated with attributes of strength, resilience, and resourcefulness. It is a name that carries significance in both Hebrew and Islamic cultures, bridging the narratives of the Bible and the Quran. In contemporary usage, Ishma may be chosen as a given name for boys, honoring the rich historical and religious connotations it represents. Over time, variations and adaptations of the name Ishma have emerged in different cultures and languages, reflecting the diversification and evolution of names worldwide.