indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Feminine
Usage Medieval English, Medieval German, Spanish
Other Forms FormsIsmaria (Spanish, Portuguese); Ismery, Ismary (Medieval English vernacular forms), Esmeria
Meaning & History
Quasi-Marian name connected to the devotion of Notre Dame de Liesse in Picardy. According to the legend, Ismeria ("the Black Madonna") was a Moorish girl who converted to Christianity and released the crusaders captivated by her father because of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
The name Ismeria is now most frequently found in association with the legend of Saint Ismeria, an obscure figure who dates back to 12th century European folklore. According to Jacobus de Voragine's The Golden Legend (c.1260), Ismeria was the sister of Saint Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. Ismeria herself was the mother of Elizabeth, and therefore grandmother of Saint John the Baptist.
The origins and meaning of the name itself are debated. Theories include a feminine variant of the Germanic name Ismar, a Picard corruption of some unidentified Arabic name, a corruption of Ismenia and a corruption of Arabic Isma and Asma.
The name Ismeria is now most frequently found in association with the legend of Saint Ismeria, an obscure figure who dates back to 12th century European folklore. According to Jacobus de Voragine's The Golden Legend (c.1260), Ismeria was the sister of Saint Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. Ismeria herself was the mother of Elizabeth, and therefore grandmother of Saint John the Baptist.
The origins and meaning of the name itself are debated. Theories include a feminine variant of the Germanic name Ismar, a Picard corruption of some unidentified Arabic name, a corruption of Ismenia and a corruption of Arabic Isma and Asma.