Wali is of Arabic origin and means 'protector' or 'friend'. It is derived from the Arabic word 'wali', which also signifies a close companion or ally. The name has gained popularity globally due to its positive connotations and is often chosen for its attractive sound and meaning.
"The name Wali experienced a significant surge in popularity from the mid-1970s onwards, with an unprecedented spike in 1975 (37 births) and continued high numbers until the early 1980s. However, it seems to have lost its initial charm over time, as indicated by the steady decline in births since the late 1980s. Despite this trend, there has been a recent resurgence, with birth numbers fluctuating between the low 30s and mid-40s in the past decade."