alë

Alí is a given name and, less commonly, a surname used in various cultures. In its most widely cited form, Alī (علي) is of Arabic origin meaning “high,” “exalted,” or “noble.” The name carries historical and religious significance in the Muslim world, notably through Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first Imam in Shia Islam. This association helped the name spread across many regions and languages.

In addition to Arabic, the name is common in Turkish, Persian, Urdu, and other linguistic communities, where the Latinized spellings Ali or Alí are frequently used. The form Alí with a diacritic may appear in some orthographies or country-specific conventions to indicate pronunciation or stress, though the core name remains derived from Ali.

As a surname, Alí occurs less frequently but has been adopted in certain regions and communities, often derived from the given name. People named Alí have been active in diverse fields such as politics, sports, arts, and academia, reflecting the name’s broad cultural dispersion.

Variants and related forms include Ali, Aly, and related feminine forms in some languages, such as Alya or Alia, which are distinct names but share the same root origin. The name’s widespread use across different cultures contributes to its recognition in global onomastics.

See also: Ali (disambiguation).