Ali

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-lee /ˈɑːli/High

Meaning: High, exalted; lofty; nobleHigh

In 30 seconds: One of the most revered names in Islam, Ali means 'high and exalted.' Borne by the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, revered as a saint by Sunni and Shia alike, and worn by the Greatest boxer of all time — Ali is a name of extraordinary cultural weight.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningHigh, exalted; lofty; noble

U.S. rank (2025)#306 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births1,116 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 34,371

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ali (علي) is an Arabic name derived from the root 'ala (to be high, to rise), meaning 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'noble.' It is most famously borne by Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 600–661 CE), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who became the fourth Caliph of Islam and is considered the first Imam in Shia Islam. Ali is one of the most universally revered names in the Islamic world.

Ali has been used for over 1,400 years across the Muslim world and is among the most common male names globally. In the West, Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), the heavyweight boxing champion, brought the name its most famous non-religious bearer. Ali also functions as a given name for girls in some cultures.

Did you know? Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay) changed his name to Ali in 1964 when he joined the Nation of Islam — a single name change that became one of the most famous acts of self-definition in sporting history.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Ali — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlyAliy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 600–661 CE)
Cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad; fourth Caliph of Islam and first Imam of Shia Islam.
★Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) (1942–2016)
American heavyweight boxing champion, considered the greatest boxer of all time.

If you like Ali…

Hassan— Arabic name meaning 'good, handsome' with the same deep Islamic reverence

Omar— beloved Arabic name with the same ancient Islamic historical standing

Ibrahim— classical Quranic name of equal standing in the Islamic naming tradition

Kareem— Arabic name meaning 'generous, noble' with the same Muhammad Ali sporting connection

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ali mean?

Ali is an Arabic name meaning 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'noble,' from the root ala (to be elevated).

How do you pronounce Ali?

It is said AH-lee /ˈɑːli/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ali a boy or girl name?

Ali is used predominantly as a boys' name in Muslim tradition, but also used for girls in Western and cross-cultural contexts.

How popular is Ali?

Ali has been in the U.S. top 300 for boys and is one of the most common names globally.