The name Ally is a diminutive form of the female name Alice, derived from the Old French name Alis, which in turn originated from the German name Adalheidis. Adalheidis was a Germanic name composed of the elements "adal," meaning noble, and "heid," meaning kind or sort.

The name Alice gained popularity in medieval France and England after being brought over by the Normans in the 11th century. The shortened form Ally emerged as a nickname for Alice, particularly in English-speaking countries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ally can be found in the 16th century play "The Spanish Tragedy" by Thomas Kyd, where a character named Ally appears. The name Ally was also used as a character name in various literary works throughout the centuries.

In the religious context, Ally does not have any direct historical significance, as it is a diminutive form rather than a name with its own distinct meaning or origin.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ally, including:

1. Ally Sheedy (born 1962), an American actress known for her roles in films like "The Breakfast Club" and "WarGames."
2. Ally McBeal (fictional character), the titular character of the popular TV series "Ally McBeal," which aired from 1997 to 2002.
3. Ally Brooke (born 1993), an American singer and member of the girl group Fifth Harmony.
4. Ally Carter (born 1976), an American author best known for her young adult spy fiction novels, including the "Gallagher Girls" series.
5. Ally Wister (1869-1957), an American writer and poet who was part of the literary circle in Philadelphia.

While the name Ally has gained popularity in recent times, its origins can be traced back to the medieval era, with its roots in the German and French languages, and its connection to the name Alice.