Ali

What does Ali mean?

Ali means ‘high’ or ‘exalted’ in Arabic. Wiktionary records both physical senses, such as ‘tall’, and figurative ones, including ‘lofty’ and ‘excellent’. The name belongs to an Arabic root associated with height and elevation, which explains the related interpretation ‘noble’. It is recorded in several languages, including Persian, Turkish, Bengali and Swahili. Alongside these lexical meanings, its association with Ali ibn Abi Talib gives it a central place in Islamic history.

Source: Wiktionary, علي. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

علي is written Ali in Roman letters and अली in Hindi, approximately a-lee. Aly is an alternative spelling. Arabic begins the name with ʿayn, a voiced sound made in the throat that may be absent in other languages' pronunciations. Arabic and South Asian readings do not match in every sound.

Also spelled Aly.

Ali in tradition and story

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, and Fatima's husband. He is revered as the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first Imam in Shia Islam. His name also appears in South Asian Sufi devotional traditions.