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Wali

Boy name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Wali: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2022.

Wali is an Arabic name meaning “protector” or “guardian,” rooted in the concept of guardianship and often used in Islamic cultures to denote a saint or close friend of God. The name also appears in Swahili-speaking regions with a similar sense of trust. Notable bearers include Wali Shah, a Canadian poet and activist known for blending spoken word with social commentary, and Wali Khan, the influential Pashtun political leader from Pakistan. While no major places derive directly from the name, the root walī appears in many Arabic place names and titles. In Muslim communities, Wali is also a common element in compound names like Wali-ur-Rahman. For parents seeking a name with a strong, protective meaning and cross-cultural resonance, Wali offers an understated yet powerful choice.

Boy 2 of 52 years

Peak year
20223 babies
Latest (2023)
#7283 babies
Total births
6since 2022
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2022 · 3
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).