Ali
Ali is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning “Elevated, noble”, pronounced AH-lee. It ranked #306 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,116 babies, and peaked at #301 in 2022.
How popular is Ali in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ali mean, and where does it come from?
Ali comes from the Arabic root "ala," meaning "to be elevated" or "exalted," and is deeply significant in Islamic history as the name of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam. It is one of the most common and beloved names throughout the Muslim world, symbolizing nobility, courage, and faith. In the West, the name gained enormous visibility through boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Short, strong, and meaningful, Ali is used both as a standalone name and as a nickname for longer names like Alexander.
How is Ali used around the world?
Ali is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
Female FormAliye
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Famous People Named Ali
- Muhammad Ali — American heavyweight boxing champion
- Ali ibn Abi Talib — fourth Rashidun caliph and first Shia Imam
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ali
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ali mean?
Ali is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning "Elevated, noble." Ali comes from the Arabic root "ala," meaning "to be elevated" or "exalted," and is deeply significant in Islamic history as the name of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam. It is one of the most common and beloved names throughout the Muslim world, symbolizing nobility, courage, and faith.
How do you pronounce Ali?
Ali is pronounced AH-lee. Common variations include Aly, Aliyu, Alee.
Is Ali a boy name?
Yes, Ali is traditionally a boy name.