The Question (ID Number 4)...

Why doesn't the narrator of Ishmael have a name?

...and the response:

Consider the possible pros and cons involved in names like John, Derek, Aaron, Miguel, Moustafa, Marcello, David, Pete. Names invariably evoke ethnic and social connotations that are inviting to some people and off-putting to others. In addition, not giving the narrator a name reduces
his importance as an individual, which better universalizes his role as a narrator.