Tuli

♂ Boy

Pronounced TOO-lee /ˈtuː.li/Medium

Meaning: Tuli has more than one live route. In Finnish, tuli means 'fire.' In Hebrew and Yiddish usage it appears as an affectionate short form, notably of Naftali. Both routes are real, and we do not pretend to settle between them.Low

In 30 seconds: Tuli points two ways: Finnish for 'fire,' or a Hebrew pet name in the Naftali family (said 'TOO-lee'). Routes vary, which we note.

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Origin LowFinnish, Hebrew

MeaningTuli has more than one live route. In Finnish, tuli means 'fire.' In Hebrew and Yiddish usage it appears as an affectionate short form, notably of Naftali. Both routes are real, and we do not pretend to settle between them.

U.S. rank (2024)#14034 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 16

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

Tuli sits at a crossing of routes. Finnish tuli is the everyday word for 'fire,' giving the name an elemental sense. In Hebrew and Yiddish circles, Tuli serves as a warm diminutive, most often of Naftali. Neither route is documented as the single source, so we set out both and note the uncertainty (said 'TOO-lee').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, warm, and double-rooted.

Did you know? In Finnish, tuli is simply 'fire' — one of the oldest words in the language. In Hebrew-speaking homes, Tuli is more likely an affectionate short form. Both routes are genuine, and we note that honestly (said 'TOO-lee').

Overall data confidence 36%

References — Tuli — Finnish tuli 'fire' / Hebrew-Yiddish pet form (Naftali); routes vary

Variations

TulyTulliTooli

Nicknames

TuLee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tuli…

Naftali— the Hebrew name Tuli may shorten

Levi— a same warm Hebrew-rooted choice

Esli— a fellow Hebrew choice

Olli— shares Tuli's Finnish roots

Vili— shares Tuli's Finnish roots

Explore names like Tuli

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tuli mean?

Tuli may be Finnish for 'fire,' or a Hebrew and Yiddish pet form of Naftali. Routes vary, and we note that honestly.

How do you pronounce Tuli?

It's said TOO-lee /ˈtuː.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tuli a boy or girl name?

Here Tuli is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Tuli?

Tuli is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.