Guardian, protector, or friend
Derived from the Arabic root w-l-y, the name refers to someone who is a protector, helper, or close friend. In Islamic tradition, it is often associated with spiritual authority and is one of the 99 names of Allah (Al-Wali).
Less common today
Wali isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,138 in 2016.
Pashtun nationalist leader and president of National Awami Party
Former NFL running back
Classical Urdu poet known as the father of the Urdu Ghazal
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
