Meaning and history
Ali is an Arabic name meaning "lofty," "exalted" or "sublime." It was borne by Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, the fourth caliph in Sunni tradition and the first imam in Shia Islam, making it one of the most enduring names in the Muslim world. Another celebrated bearer was boxer Muhammad Ali, who adopted the surname after converting to Islam.