The nameAli
Ali is a boy's name of Arabic origin meaning "high, exalted". The name of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, it is common in the Muslim world.
- Boy's name
- Arabic
Meaning
Ali comes from the Arabic aliy, "high, exalted, noble".
Origin
Arabic. Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, was the fourth caliph and the first imam of Shia Islam.
History
Ali is very common in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and the Arab world. Muhammad Ali, the boxer, made it famous worldwide. It is in the top 110 in England and Wales.
Ali in other languages
Ali is spelled the same in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Urdu. The boxer Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, made it famous worldwide. In English, Ali is also a girls' nickname for Alison or Alexandra.
Famous people named Ali
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Muhammad Ali, boxer
- Ali Smith, writer
- Ali Krieger, footballer
Popularity of the name Ali
Ali in the United States
Ali was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 12,137 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Ali. Its rise began around 1971, and it peaked in 2015. Half of all babies named Ali in the United States were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,130 births a year.
Ali in the United Kingdom
Ali was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 4,675 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Ali. Half of all babies named Ali in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 466 births a year.
Ali in Ireland
Ali in France
Ali in Belgium
Ali in Switzerland
Ali in Austria
Ali in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Ali
Names from the same generation as Ali, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Ali? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Ali with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Ali side by side with the name of your choice.
Ali in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ali mean?
Ali comes from the Arabic aliy, "high, exalted, noble".
What is the origin of the name Ali?
Arabic. Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, was the fourth caliph and the first imam of Shia Islam.
Is Ali a girl's or a boy's name?
Ali is a boy's name. In the United States, 24% of the babies named Ali are girls.
How popular is the name Ali?
In 2024, Ali was the 325th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,061 births.
What are the variants of the name Ali?
Variants and related names of Ali include Aaliyah and Alioune.
What are good sibling names for Ali?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Leila, Aisha, Fatima and Talia for a sister, Mohamed, Ahmed, Mohammed and Mohammad for a brother.
Who are famous people named Ali?
Ali ibn Abi Talib; Muhammad Ali, boxer; Ali Smith, writer; Ali Krieger, footballer.