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Comments and insights on the name Ismay

Unusual old germanic compound name possibly meaning ice or iron maiden.

In use since the 13th cntury in England (spelled variously Ysemay, Isemay, Ysmay and Isamaya), Ismay is possibly related to the name Ismenia.

Ismay has been used as a (matronymic) surname since at least the 16th century; as such, it has occasionally been used as a male given name over the past few centuries.

Personal experiences with the name Ismay

My Maternal Grandmother's sister is called Ina Ismay (Chirstian names) Razey (Surname) but is known to her family as Dinah although her friends know her as Ina. Either way she is rarely called Ismay although she prefers to be addressed (when written to) as II Razey. It seems like such a shame as I think Ismay is a beautiful name and would love to name a daughter Ismay. The name sounds somewhat exotic although she was born and raised in a rural area of Great Britain and her younger sister is named, the very traditional, Joyce.

Nicknames for Ismay

Meanings and history of the name Ismay

Famous real-life people named Ismay

Ismay Thorn (b. 1853)-- prolific British author of books for children

Ismay Johnston (b. 1976) -- an actress from New Zealand

Ismay in song, story & screen

Character in the novel "World Without End" by Ken Follett. Ismay (featured part) is 13 and her parents have died because of the plague. She prostitutes herself because she is starving.
Character in Canadian author Robertson Davies' "Cornish Trilogy"
Character in British author Ruth Rendell's "The Water's Lovely"
Character in Canadian author Susan Swan's "The Wives of Bath"