Is Alija a boy's or girl's name?

Alija is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 49 recorded births.

When was Alija most popular?

Alija reached its peak popularity in 2019 with 12 births that year. It is currently ranked #10967 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Alija?

Alija is currently ranked #10967 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 125 babies since 2001.

Alija

A Arabic name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicDeclining

#10967▼ 92in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A transliteration of the Macedonian male given name Алија (Alija).

Alija is a boy's and girl's baby name of Bosnian and Arabic origin, the South Slavic form of Ali — from the Arabic ʿAlī, meaning 'high,' 'noble,' or 'elevated.' Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, is one of Islam's most revered figures. Alija Izetbegović, the first President of Bosnia, is the name's most prominent modern bearer.

Alija carries both Islamic nobility and Bosnian national identity — the name of a president who presided over one of the most difficult chapters in modern European history with dignity and faith.

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Popularity Over Time

Alija has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2001.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Alija
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	39	#9442	▼
2010s	53	#9570	▲
2000s	33	#9891	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(17 years, 2001–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Alija
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	6	#10967	0
2023	6	#10875	-1 (-14.3%)
2022	7	#9872	-1 (-12.5%)
2021	8	#8862	-4 (-33.3%)
2020	12	#6635	0
2019	12	#6793	+5 (71.4%)
2018	7	#9718	0
2014	7	#9681	+2 (40.0%)
2013	5	#12213	-3 (-37.5%)
2012	8	#8893	+2 (33.3%)
2011	6	#10858	-2 (-25.0%)
2010	8	#8836	+1 (14.3%)
2009	7	#9903	0
2008	7	#9902	+2 (40.0%)
2006	5	#12122	-2 (-28.6%)
2005	7	#9156	0
2001	7	#8371	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Alija as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Alija has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 49 births since 1995.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2002

Peak year

Compare Alija as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Alija be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Alija is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #10967. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (2001–2024) · Methodology