Find out how popular the first name Bali has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bali by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Bali is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 81% of people named Bali being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 24 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bali.

The history of the first name Bali

The name Bali finds its origins in Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "vali," which means "sacrifice" or "offering." The name is closely associated with the island of Bali in Indonesia, which was heavily influenced by Hindu culture and traditions.

In Hindu mythology, Bali was the name of an Asura king, known for his generosity and devotion to the gods. He is celebrated in the Bhagavata Purana, a revered Hindu scripture, for his willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of upholding dharma (righteousness).

The earliest recorded use of the name Bali can be traced back to the 7th century CE, when it was mentioned in ancient Balinese inscriptions and literary works. It gained popularity among Hindus, particularly in the Indonesian archipelago, where it became a common name for boys.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Bali was Bali Sah, a 16th-century ruler of the Kalinga Empire in present-day Odisha, India. He was known for his military prowess and for expanding the empire's territories.

Another prominent figure was Bali Reddy, a 17th-century Indian ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who was renowned for his administrative skills and patronage of the arts.

In the realm of literature, Bali Nath Bhushan was a celebrated 19th-century Hindi poet and writer from India, known for his works that celebrated the beauty of nature and human emotions.

The name Bali also found its way into the Islamic world, where it was adopted by several notable figures. Bali ibn Rabah al-Qushayri was a 9th-century Islamic scholar and theologian from present-day Iran, known for his contributions to the study of Sufism.

Another significant figure was Bali Efendi, a 16th-century Ottoman statesman and Grand Vizier, who played a crucial role in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

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

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

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