What does Ismail mean?
The Arabic form of the prophet Ishmael (Isma'il), of Hebrew origin (Yishma'el, 'God will hear' or 'God hears'). The Arabic form does not derive from a native Arabic root; Ismail is the son of Ibrahim in Islamic tradition. Also spelled Ismael, Ismaeel.
What does Sami mean?
From the root s-m-w (س-م-و, 'to be high, elevated'), meaning 'elevated, lofty, sublime, eminent'. Note the distinct name Sami' (سميع, 'all-hearing'), which comes from a different root (s-m-'); the two are easily confused in transliteration.