Rising since 1990, #2,421 for boys today.
Popularity of Wali since 1951
Babies named Wali per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 33 |
| 1970s | 172 |
| 1980s | 147 |
| 1990s | 116 |
| 2000s | 160 |
| 2010s | 350 |
| 2020s | 265 |
Meaning & origin
The name Wali has been recorded in the U.S. since 1951, but its use remained rare until the late 20th century. It saw a notable rise from around 1990, reflecting broader trends in Arabic name adoption. The trajectory shows steady growth, with a peak ranking of 2421 in 2016 and a current 1-in-30,501 frequency in 2025. The name is most common in New York, Texas, and California, states with large Muslim populations and diverse communities. Despite its modest rank, Wali carries strong cultural and religious resonance, offering a meaningful choice with a clear etymology.
Wali originates from the Arabic root w-l-y, meaning 'to be near, to take charge of'. In Islamic tradition, it is used as a title for a friend of God (wali Allah) or a guardian. The name appears in the Quran and has been used across the Muslim world, from West Africa to Southeast Asia, often as a given name or part of compound names.
Where Wali is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Wali” around the world
Where Wali lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Waly, Waliy
Sibling names for Wali
Names that share Wali's style, for a brother or sister.
