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Ally
Pronounced AL-ee /ˈæl.i/High
Meaning: Variously a pet form of Ali ('exalted', Arabic) and the English word ally ('a friend/partner'); much more often a girls' name (short for Alison); here for a boy; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Ally comes variously from a pet form of Ali ('exalted', Arabic) and the English word ally ('a friend/partner'); much more often a girls' name (short for Alison; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'AL-ee').
In the U.S. Ally is overwhelmingly a girls' name; this boys' use follows the Ali route. Rare for a boy, exalted-and-a-friend at the root, and crisp.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Ally mean?
Ally is variously a pet form of Ali ('exalted') and the English word 'ally'. It is much more often a girls' name; here for a boy. The routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Ally?
It's said AL-ee /ˈæl.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Ally a boy or girl name?
Ally is overwhelmingly a girls' name; this page covers its use as a boy's name.
How popular is Ally?
Ally is popular for girls and very rare for boys.