Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ali
BoyArabic· “exalted, high”
- Meaning
- exalted, high
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- AH-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #306
- US babies 2025
- 1,116
- Best rank
- #301 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Ali
Ali is an Arabic name that means “exalted, high”.
Ali is an Arabic name meaning "exalted," "high" or "sublime," from the root 'ala, "to be high." It is one of the most important names in Islamic history, borne by Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph, who is especially revered in Shia Islam. The name is used throughout the Muslim world, from Morocco to Indonesia. The boxer Muhammad Ali made it famous across the globe. Ali is short, strong and easy to pronounce in many languages, and in English it can also appear as a nickname for Alison or Alexandra.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ollie.
Popularity over time
Ali first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 57 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #301 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,124 babies. In 2025, 1,116 babies were named Ali, and it ranked #306 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,021 in 1950, #545 in 1980, #380 in 2000, #357 in 2010, and #306 in 2025. Of the 34,383 US boys named Ali since records began, 29% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 7,735 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cairo, Onyx, Niko, Odin, and Hendrix.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ali ranked highest in Michigan, New York, and District of Columbia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #50 | 157 |
| New York | #166 | 116 |
| District of Columbia | #169 | 5 |
| Virginia | #179 | 51 |
| Illinois | #186 | 63 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 84% of US babies named Ali over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ali is usually pronounced AH-lee, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with A and ends in “-li”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ollie.
Middle names for Ali
A few middle names that flow with Ali: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ali
Similar names
Eli Boy
EE-ly
“ascended, uplifted” · Hebrew
#104
Amir Boy
uh-MEER
“prince, commander” · Arabic
#105
Omar Boy
OH-mahr
“long-lived; flourishing” · Arabic
#260
Khalil Boy
kuh-LEEL
“friend” · Arabic
#384
Nasir Boy
nah-SEER
“helper, supporter” · Arabic
#487
Kairo Boy
KY-roh
“modern spelling of Cairo” · American (modern coinage)
#226
Salem Unisex
SAY-luhm
“peace” · Hebrew
#436
Cairo Boy
KY-roh
“the victorious” · Arabic
#341
Ahmed Boy
AH-mehd
“most praised” · Arabic
#703
Ahmad Boy
AH-mahd
“most praised” · Arabic
#669
Yusuf Boy
YOO-suhf
“he will add” · Arabic
#450
Hamza Boy
HAHM-zuh
“possibly strong, steadfast” · Arabic
#541
Lists that include Ali
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ali mean?
Ali is an Arabic name that means “exalted, high”.
What is the origin of the name Ali?
Ali has Arabic roots. Ali is an Arabic name meaning "exalted," "high" or "sublime," from the root 'ala, "to be high." It is one of the most important names in Islamic history, borne by Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph, who is especially revered in Shia Islam.
Is Ali a popular name?
Yes. Ali ranked #306 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ali a boy or girl name?
Ali is mainly a boy's name. About 84% of US babies named Ali over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ali?
Ali is usually pronounced AH-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings