How to say it
A · li
ˈɑː.li
Masculine
Ali
Exalted, noble
What it means
Arabic for 'exalted,' 'noble,' or 'sublime,' from a root meaning 'to be high.'
Ali is one of the most widely used names in the world, Arabic for 'exalted' or 'noble.' It honors Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph, a central figure especially in Shia Islam. In the West it is inseparable from Muhammad Ali, who turned it into a byword for greatness. It shares its 'exalted' root with the feminine Aliyah and Alia.
How to spell Ali
The standard spelling is Ali. Common variants include Aly, Alie, but Ali is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #301 in 2022, currently #306 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Worth knowing
Among the most common names across the Muslim world, honoring the fourth caliph.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and fourth caliph
- Muhammad Ali heavyweight boxing champion and cultural icon
Spelling variants
- Aly
- Alie
Names with the same feeling
See Ali from another angle
By meaning
Common questions
- What does the name Ali mean?
- Arabic for 'exalted,' 'noble,' or 'sublime,' from a root meaning 'to be high.'
- What does Ali mean in Arabic?
- In Arabic, Ali means "Exalted, noble." Ali is one of the most widely used names in the world, Arabic for 'exalted' or 'noble.' It honors Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph, a central figure especially in Shia Islam. In the West it is inseparable from Muhammad Ali, who turned it into a byword for greatness. It shares its 'exalted' root with the feminine Aliyah and Alia.
- How do you pronounce Ali?
- Ali is pronounced ˈɑː.li. Say it as A-li, with the stress on the "a" syllable.
- How do you spell Ali?
- The standard spelling is Ali. Common spelling variants include Aly, Alie.
- Is Ali a boy or girl name?
- Ali is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Ali?
- Ali ranked #306 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.