Find out how popular the first name Ali has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ali by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ali is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 76% of people named Ali being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,065 male babies and 74 female babies born with the name Ali.

The history of the first name Ali

The name Ali has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word 'Ali', which means 'high', 'elevated', or 'sublime'. The name has been in use since ancient times in the Middle East and has a rich history spanning centuries.

Ali is a prominent name in Islamic tradition and is closely associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib (599-661 CE), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. He was the first male convert to Islam and is revered as the fourth caliph by Sunni Muslims and the first Imam by Shia Muslims. The name gained widespread popularity among Muslims due to its association with this influential figure in Islamic history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ali can be found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The name appears multiple times, referring to both Ali ibn Abi Talib and other individuals with the same name.

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable individuals who bore the name Ali. Here are five examples:

1. Ali al-Ridha (766-818 CE), the eighth Imam in Twelver Shia Islam and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
2. Ali ibn Abi Talib (599-661 CE), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and the fourth caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
3. Ali Pasha (1741-1822), an Ottoman military commander and the founder of modern-day Albania.
4. Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (766-818 CE), a prominent Islamic scholar and the eighth Imam in Twelver Shia Islam.
5. Ali al-Hadi (828-868 CE), the tenth Imam in Twelver Shia Islam and a renowned scholar of Islamic jurisprudence.

The name Ali has transcended its Arabic origins and has been adopted by various cultures and communities around the world, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations. It continues to be a popular name, carrying a rich historical and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ali was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ali, please contact us.

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