ali

Ali is a male given name of Arabic origin, meaning "high," "exalted," or "noble." The root conveys elevation and superiority, and the name is widely used across the Muslim world as a given name and, less commonly, as a surname. In transliteration from Arabic, it appears in variants such as Aly and Alee and is adapted in Turkish, Persian, Urdu, and other languages.

One of the most prominent historical figures bearing the name is Ali ibn Abi Talib (circa 600–661), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. In Sunni Islam he is regarded as the fourth Rashidun Caliph; in Shia Islam he is revered as the first Imam. He played a central role in early Islamic history and is traditionally associated with scholarship, jurisprudence, and leadership during a troubled era.

In modern times, Ali is a common given name in many regions, and it is sometimes used as a surname. The name is associated with a wide range of public figures, such as Muhammad Ali, the American boxer and cultural icon, and Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former president of Yemen. In literature and media, the name also appears for fictional characters and protagonists across various cultures.

Overall, Ali remains a widely used name with historical and cultural significance across the Arab world and beyond, reflecting a tradition of meaning and identity tied to elevation and nobility.