Aligarh was known by the earlier name of Kol or Koil before the 18th century. The name Kol covered not only the city but the entire district, though its geographical limits kept changing from time to time. The origin of the name is obscure. In some ancient texts, Kol has been referred to in the sense of a tribe or caste, name of a place or mountain and name of a sage or demon. From the study of the place-names of the district, it appears that the district was once fairly well covered by forest, thickets and groves. The early history of the district, through the 12th century AD is obscure.

Aligarh City is famous as an industrial city. It is also known as Taala Nagari (Locks City of India). The second Largest Lock Manufacturer of Locks in India Link Locks is based in the City. An approximation puts the total number of industries at 25,000 which constitute of both Small scale & Large Scale Industries. Aligarh is having a boom in the construction business at this point of time, many new multi level buildings, shopping complexes and apartments have come up. Many malls are recently being constructed by major developers from Delhi & Aligarh. Malls in the city include Great Shopping Mall at Ramghat Road, Many more are under construction like The Landmark Mall at Marris Road, Sharda Mall at Center Point, Ozone Mall at Ring Road, Great Value Mall at Ramghat Road.

There are many popular showrooms of several internationally known clothing and sports brands in Aligarh. Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) has developed Taala Nagri Industrial Area at Ramghat Road.
There are three Industrial Areas like Industrial Estate, Pala Road and Taala Nagari. Ahlampur Industrial Area has been proposed by UPSIDC at Delhi G.T Road. Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. provides unrestricted power at Taala Nagari.

Aligarh is amongst the largest manufacturers and suppliers of locks and hardware goods in India and is also one of the largest manufacturers of brass fittings. It also a manufacturer of plastic and iron toy pistols, handcuffs, belts, badges for schools and government supply. It also has an artware and sculpture products Industry. It supplies products all over the world. Brass market of Aligarh is one of the largest in India, which employs thousands of skilled laborers. About 100 tonnes of brass and 50 tonnes of zinc is processed daily. Iron, aluminum, bronze, and zinc products are also manufactured in the city.