Ali Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Ali Name Meaning

Fact: Numerous political figures throughout history have borne the name Ali, adding to its prestige

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A Deep Dive

Ali Overview

Meaning

Eminent, high, exalted, noble

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Arabic

Etymology

Derived from the Arabic name “Ali,” meaning “elevated” or “high.”

Religion

Islam, Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈɑːli/

Popularity

Ali is recognized globally, particularly in Muslim-majority countries and among various cultures. In 2023, Ali ranked #326 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

3 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Religious and Spiritual, Classic, Short

Associated Traits

Noble, kind, confident

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph in Islam and a significant figure in Shia Islam.
A Deep Dive

Ali Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Alia, Alina, Aaliyah, Aliza, Alita, Alicia, Alison, Alina, Alaia, Alessia

Common Nicknames

Lee, Allie, Lili, A, Ally, Lila

Diminutives

Al, Lala, Alii, Lili, Allee, Lia

Famous People

  • Muhammad Ali
    (American Boxer)
  • Ali Wong
    (American Comedian)
  • Ali MacGraw
    (American Actress)
  • Ali Larter
    (American Actress)
  • Ali Farka Touré
    (Malian Musician)
  • Ali Abbas
    (Iraqi Footballer)
  • Ali Velshi
    (Canadian Journalist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Ali G
    ("Da Ali G Show," TV Series)
  • Ali Mills
    ("The Karate Kid," Film)
  • Ali Nejat Karasu
    ("Intersection," TV Series)
  • Ali Baba
    ("Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," Folk Tale)
  • Ali MacGraw
    ("Love Story," Film)
  • Ali Campbell
    (UB40)

Places

  • Ali Sabieh City
    (Ali Sabieh Region, Djibouti)
  • Ali Qapu Palace
    (Isfahan, Iran)
  • Ali Chukson Village
    (Arizona, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Ali?

Ali means “elevated” or “high” in Arabic. Bearers of the name Ali are often seen as noble and dignified, embodying qualities of leadership and strength.

What Is the Origin of The Name Ali?

The name Ali has Arabic roots, originating from the Arabic word “علي” (ʿAlī), which means “elevated” or “high.” It is a significant name in Islamic tradition, notably borne by Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.

Ali Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Ali in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3002022#3092023
Top 3 Rankings#3002022#3092023#3102017

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Ali

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023309
(-9 from 2022)
1065
(-59 from 2022)
0.05816
2022300
(+39 from 2021)
1124
(+166 from 2021)
0.06001
2021339
(-15 from 2020)
958
(-58 from 2020)
0.05113
2020324
(-10 from 2019)
1016
(-53 from 2019)
0.05493
2019314
(-4 from 2018)
1069
(-24 from 2018)
0.05563
2018310
No change from 2017
1093
(-23 from 2017)
0.05623
2017310
(+12 from 2016)
1116
(+29 from 2016)
0.05639
2016322
(+3 from 2015)
1087
(+26 from 2015)
0.05366
2015325
(+9 from 2014)
1061
(+52 from 2014)
0.05190
2014334
(+17 from 2013)
1009
(+107 from 2013)
0.04924
2013351
(+1 from 2012)
902
(+30 from 2012)
0.04464
2012352
(+20 from 2011)
872
(+70 from 2011)
0.04297
2011372
(-14 from 2010)
802
(-47 from 2010)
0.03948
2010358
(+13 from 2009)
849
(+31 from 2009)
0.04133
2009371
(+27 from 2008)
818
(+76 from 2008)
0.03857
2008398
(-12 from 2007)
742
(-41 from 2007)
0.03403
2007386
(-27 from 2006)
783
(-44 from 2006)
0.03535
2006359
(+23 from 2005)
827
(+69 from 2005)
0.03772
2005382
(-3 from 2004)
758
(+32 from 2004)
0.03563
2004379
(-35 from 2003)
726
(-84 from 2003)
0.03435
2003344
(-25 from 2002)
810
(-60 from 2002)
0.03855
2002319
(+54 from 2001)
870
(+155 from 2001)
0.04210
2001373
(+7 from 2000)
715
(+32 from 2000)
0.03457
2000380
(+12 from 1999)
683
(+34 from 1999)
0.03271
1999392
(+2 from 1998)
649
(+27 from 1998)
0.03183
1998394
(+3 from 1997)
622
(+32 from 1997)
0.03068
1997397
(+29 from 1996)
590
(+62 from 1996)
0.02953
1996426
(+18 from 1995)
528
(+12 from 1995)
0.02635
1995444
(+16 from 1994)
516
(+38 from 1994)
0.02565
1994460
(+17 from 1993)
478
(+36 from 1993)
0.02345
1993477
No change from 1992
442
(-5 from 1992)
0.02140
1992477
(+2 from 1991)
447
(+23 from 1991)
0.02129
1991479
(-7 from 1990)
424
(-16 from 1990)
0.02000
1990472
(+15 from 1989)
440
(+56 from 1989)
0.02045
1989487
(+14 from 1988)
384
(+51 from 1988)
0.01832
1988501
(+11 from 1987)
333
(+26 from 1987)
0.01663
1987512
(+13 from 1986)
307
(+22 from 1986)
0.01574
1986525
(-8 from 1985)
285
(+1 from 1985)
0.01483
1985517
(+12 from 1984)
284
(+21 from 1984)
0.01476
1984529
(+16 from 1983)
263
(+26 from 1983)
0.01401
1983545
(-20 from 1982)
237
(-28 from 1982)
0.01272
1982525
(+26 from 1981)
265
(+28 from 1981)
0.01404
1981551
(-6 from 1980)
237
(-12 from 1980)
0.01273
1980545
(-90 from 1979)
249
(-69 from 1979)
0.01342
1979455
(+56 from 1978)
318
(+63 from 1978)
0.01775
1978511
(+94 from 1977)
255
(+60 from 1977)
0.01492
1977605
(-31 from 1976)
195
(-4 from 1976)
0.01141
1976574
(+59 from 1975)
199
(+36 from 1975)
0.01219
1975633
(+8 from 1974)
163
(+5 from 1974)
0.01005
1974641
(+112 from 1973)
158
(+45 from 1973)
0.00969
1973753
(-21 from 1972)
113
(-5 from 1972)
0.00700
1972732
(-25 from 1971)
118
(-18 from 1971)
0.00705
1971707
(+203 from 1970)
136
(+59 from 1970)
0.00748
1970910
(+10 from 1969)
77
(+9 from 1969)
0.00404
1969920
(+106 from 1968)
68
(+16 from 1968)
0.00372
19681026
(+189 from 1967)
52
(+14 from 1967)
0.00293
19671215
(+67 from 1966)
38
(+3 from 1966)
0.00214
19661282
(-188 from 1965)
35
(-11 from 1965)
0.00193
19651094
(+1 from 1964)
46
(-2 from 1964)
0.00243
19641095
(+224 from 1963)
48
(+13 from 1963)
0.00237
19631319
(+68 from 1962)
35
(+3 from 1962)
0.00170
19621387
(+106 from 1961)
32
(+3 from 1961)
0.00152
19611493
(+127 from 1960)
29
(+4 from 1960)
0.00134
19601620
(-33 from 1959)
25
No change from 1959
0.00115
19591587
(+310 from 1958)
25
(+7 from 1958)
0.00115
19581897
(+196 from 1957)
18
(+3 from 1957)
0.00084
19572093
(-2 from 1956)
15
No change from 1956
0.00069
19562091
(-189 from 1955)
15
(-2 from 1955)
0.00070
19551902
(-198 from 1954)
17
(-3 from 1954)
0.00081
19541704
(+255 from 1953)
20
(+4 from 1953)
0.00097
19531959
(-102 from 1952)
16
(-1 from 1952)
0.00080
19521857
(+805 from 1951)
17
(+8 from 1951)
0.00086
19512662
(-643 from 1950)
9
(-5 from 1950)
0.00047
19502019
(+783 from 1949)
14
(+6 from 1949)
0.00077
19492802
(+866 from 1948)
8
(+3 from 1948)
0.00044
19483668
(-295 from 1947)
5
(-1 from 1947)
0.00028
19473373
(+151 from 1946)
6
(+1 from 1946)
0.00032
19463524
(-781 from 1945)
5
(-2 from 1945)
0.00030
19452743
(-548 from 1944)
7
(-4 from 1944)
0.00051
19442195
(+537 from 1943)
11
(+3 from 1943)
0.00079
19432732
(+140 from 1941)
8
(+1 from 1941)
0.00055
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19412872
(-201 from 1940)
7
(-1 from 1940)
0.00056
19402671
(+442 from 1939)
8
(+2 from 1939)
0.00067
19393113
(-245 from 1938)
6
(-1 from 1938)
0.00053
19382868
(-189 from 1937)
7
(-1 from 1937)
0.00062
19372679
(+870 from 1936)
8
(+3 from 1936)
0.00073
19363549
(+130 from 1934)
5
No change from 1934
0.00047
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19343679
(-411 from 1933)
5
(-1 from 1933)
0.00047
19333268
(+122 from 1931)
6
No change from 1931
0.00059
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19313390
(-101 from 1930)
6
(-1 from 1930)
0.00056
19303289
(+408 from 1928)
7
(+1 from 1928)
0.00062
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19283697
(-247 from 1927)
6
(-1 from 1927)
0.00053
19273450
(+751 from 1926)
7
(+2 from 1926)
0.00060
19264201
(+146 from 1924)
5
No change from 1924
0.00044
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19244347
(-1083 from 1914)
5
No change from 1914
0.00043
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19143264
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00073
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Ali

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#802021#562022#672023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3902021#3382022#2932023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2352021#1632022#1642023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#3582021#3452022#3982023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2222021#2412022#2392023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3242021#2192022#2382023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3882021#3142022#3642023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2362021#2862022#2852023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2152021#2772022#2002023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3532021#3562022#2762023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4182021#3392022#3692023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2782021#2522022#3052023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3202021#2682022#1842023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3922021#3402022#3742023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4142021#3772022#3512023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#4722021#3832022#4702023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2722021#2552022#3382023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4212021#5322022#4282023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#5552021#5672022#4632023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4302021#4562022#5182023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3852021#3292022#3822023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#3672021#5412022#5322023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#8442021#7722022#5342023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4112021#4502022#4282023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#5122021#5152022#6242023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3882021#4272022#3012023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#4882019#4962022#6242023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1812020#962022#1982023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2592019#2772022#4382023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4922019#4872020#5632023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4092020#4502021#5692022

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#5492021#6552022#5782023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#5822019#4702022#6182023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4402020#4162021#3832022

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4422020#3632021#3132022

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#5442018#4242022#4852023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3202014#3442015#3432020

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5382019#5372022#4642023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4032007#3652008#2622020

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2372018#2272023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1732005

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3062019

Popularity Rankings for Ali in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina flagBosnia and Herzegovina#92020#102021#52022

Popularity in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan flagKazakhstan#72022#92023#122024

Popularity in Turkey

Turkey flagTurkey#122021#122022#142023

Popularity in Russia (Moscow)

Russia (Moscow) flagRussia (Moscow)#382022#402023#352024

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#572020#692021#702022

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#672021#712022#1002023

Popularity in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan flagAzerbaijan#802022

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#882020#872021#832022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1142021#842022#1982023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#922021#872022#912023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#962020#952021#892022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#982021#962022#942023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#952020#1342021#1172022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1282019#1412020#1412021

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#1522021#1612022#1432023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#1602020#1952021#1562022

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1991924

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2582021#2282022#2492023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3362021#2392022#2882023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3742021#3522022#2492023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3302021#2522022#2762023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3182022#2922023#4462023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#3292021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Ali a Name for Boys or Girls?

In most cultures, Ali is considered a masculine name, largely because of its association with notable male figures in Islamic history.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Ali

Ali in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Muhammad Ali (Boxer, 1942–2016): An American professional boxer and cultural icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
  • Ali Wong (Comedian, born 1982): An American comedian and actress known for her stand-up specials and roles in television and film.
  • Ali MacGraw (Actress, born 1939): An American actress who rose to fame with her role in the film "Love Story."
  • Ali Larter (Actress, born 1976): An American actress known for her roles in the "Final Destination" series and "Heroes."
  • Ali Farka Touré (Musician, 1939–2006): A Malian singer and guitarist who played a crucial role in introducing African music to the world.
  • Ali Abbas (Athlete, born 1986): An Iraqi footballer who has played for clubs in Iraq and Australia.
  • Ali Velshi (Journalist, born 1969): A Canadian television journalist and senior economic and business correspondent for NBC News.
  • Ali Landry (Actress, born 1973): An American actress and beauty queen who won Miss USA 1996 and appeared in various films and TV shows.
  • Ali G ("Da Ali G Show," 2000 TV Series): A satirical character created by Sacha Baron Cohen who interviews unsuspecting subjects.
  • Ali Mills ("The Karate Kid," 1984 Film): The love interest of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.
  • Ali Nejat Karasu ("Intersection," 2016 TV Series): A wealthy businessman navigating his professional and personal life.
  • Ali Baba ("Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," Folk Tale): The protagonist who discovers a secret treasure trove.
  • Ali MacGraw ("Love Story," 1970 Film): A young woman who falls in love despite the odds and faces a terminal illness.
  • Ali Campbell (UB40): The lead singer of the British reggae band UB40.
  • Ali Wong ("Always Be My Maybe," 2019 Film): A successful chef who reconnects with a childhood friend.
  • "Ali and Nino" (1937 Novel): A romance set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.
  • Ali Sabieh City (Ali Sabieh Region, Djibouti): A city in southeastern Djibouti, serving as the capital of the Ali Sabieh Region.
  • Aligarh City (Uttar Pradesh, India): A major city in northern India, famous for its Aligarh Muslim University.
  • Ali Qapu Palace (Isfahan, Iran): A grand palace in Isfahan, constructed in the early 17th century by Shah Abbas I.
  • Ali Mountain (Chiayi County, Taiwan): A famous mountain known for its beautiful sunrise views and ancient forests.
  • Ali Bay (Yunnan, China): A bay located in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the city of Dali.
  • Ali River (Balochistan, Pakistan): A river that flows through the Balochistan region, contributing to the local irrigation system.
  • Ali Chukson Village (Arizona, USA): A small village located in the Tohono O'odham Nation reservation.
  • Ali Stonehenge (Tibet, China): A megalithic site in western Tibet with ancient stone formations.

Similar Names to Ali

Sibling Names for Ali

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Ali is a name with a lot of depth and history. What are your thoughts on it? Share your opinions with me. Thank you for including me in your naming journey!

Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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