What is the meaning of ولي?

to be close to, stand immediately by, be neighboring, follow close upon

to follow

to confine with

to depend, appertain

to be a friend, assistant, helper

to administer, govern, be placed at the head of

verbal noun of وَلِيَ (waliya, “to be close to, be friends with, administer”) 

nearness, proximity, contiguity

friendship

government of a province

shower after shower

near

adjacent

one of the most beautiful Names of God: The Protector

prophet, saint

relative, neighbor, friend, beloved one

helper, protector, benefactor, patron, master

administrator, bestower

client, slave

favorite

Source: wiktionary.org