Meaning and history
Əli is the Azerbaijani form of the Arabic name Ali, meaning "lofty," "exalted" or "sublime." The name ultimately honours the same tradition associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and a central figure in Islamic history. Notable Azerbaijani bearers include writer Əli bəy Hüseynzadə and footballer Əli Gökdemir.