Find out how popular the first name Alija has been for the last 30 years (from 1995 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alija by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Alija is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 72% of people named Alija being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alija.

The history of the first name Alija

The name Alija finds its origins in Arabic and Islamic culture, tracing back to the 7th century AD. It is derived from the Arabic word "Ali," which means "high" or "exalted." The name is closely associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and one of the most revered figures in Islam.

Alija is a variant spelling of the name Ali, commonly used in regions with Slavic influences, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. It gained popularity in these areas due to the spread of Islam during the Ottoman Empire's rule in the Balkans, from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alija can be found in the 16th-century Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi's writings, where he mentions an individual named Alija from Bosnia. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Alija.

Alija Izetbegović (1925-2003) was the first President of the independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading the country during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. He played a crucial role in the nation's struggle for independence and is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Bosnian history.

Alija Sirotanović (1914-1992) was a renowned Bosnian writer and poet, known for his contributions to Bosnian literature and his works reflecting the experiences of the Bosnian people during World War II.

Alija Behmen (1940-2008) was a prominent Bosnian film director and screenwriter, whose films explored themes of identity, war, and the human condition. His works, such as "Do You Remember Dolly Bell?" and "The Abandoned Village," received international acclaim and recognition.

Alija Delić (1932-2018) was a Bosnian architect and urban planner, renowned for his innovative and modern designs that transformed the urban landscape of Sarajevo and other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Alija Beširević (1834-1907) was a Bosnian writer, scholar, and one of the pioneers of the Bosnian national awakening movement in the late 19th century. His literary works and contributions to education played a significant role in promoting Bosnian culture and identity.

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 Alija was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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