Ali - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Ali \a-li\ is pronounced al-LEE. It is of Arabic origin, and its meaning is "high, exalted". Ali was the name of the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, known as the first male convert to Islam. The name is one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah proposed by Muhammad as excellent names for boy children. The name is also borne by the hero in "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". Also, Muhammad Ali was the name adopted by boxer Cassius Clay when he converted to Islam.

Ali has 1 variant form: Alia.

Baby names that sound like Ali are Al, Aly and Eli.

Ali is a common male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Ali. Click here to compare Ali with related baby names.