Ali means exalted or noble — from the Arabic. Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth Caliph and the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law — one of the most important figures in Islam. Muhammad Ali was The Greatest — the most charismatic athlete who ever lived. Two letters that carry Islamic theology, heavyweight boxing, and the most famous boast in sports: I am the greatest.
Ali comes from the Arabic meaning exalted or noble. Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 601–661) was the fourth Caliph of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law — the central figure in Shia Islam. Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), born Cassius Clay, became the most famous athlete in world history. His I am the greatest is the most famous declaration in sports.
2
First recorded
Earliest known use: 7th century — Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 601–661 AD), fourth Caliph of Islam.
3
Today
Ali remains a beloved choice, ranking #318 in the US. 43,710 babies have been named Ali since 1914.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Encyclopaedia of Islam, SSA data
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How popular is Ali?
2022peak year
Today, Ali ranks around #318 in the United States, with roughly 1,178 new arrivals per year. But it wasn't always this way. At its peak in 2022, 1,124 babies were given the name (ranked #300 nationally). Its strongest stretch was the 2010s. Ali's usage has held roughly steady recently. In all, around 43,710 babies have been registered as Ali since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
Ali's Life Path 1 is the leader's number — the greatest leader. People named Ali tend to be noble, charismatic, and constitutionally unable to accept anything less than greatness.
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The Greatest
✦
Float like a butterfly
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Noble and exalted
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Cannot accept less than greatness
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Caliph-level authority
A1
L3
I9
Sum: 13 → Life path 4
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Personality of Ali
🏛️
Steady & reliable
When they make a promise, they keep it.
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Methodical
Thorough, careful, precise.
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Quietly powerful
Their strength is always there when it matters.
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Grounded
No matter what swirls around them, they stay centred.
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