李
Li
Pronounced like: "Lee"
Other Spellings: Lee, Ly, Ri, Lei, Lí
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Li Family Name
Der Nachname Li hat mehrere historische Wurzeln. Eine Hauptlinie geht auf Gao Yao zurück, einen Justizminister während der legendären Herrschaft der Kaiser Yao und Shun; seine Nachkommen verwendeten ursprünglich das Homophon 'Li' (理), was 'Vernunft' oder 'Richter' bedeutet und sich später zum Zeichen für 'Pflaume' entwickelte. Ein weiterer bedeutender Ursprung ist mit Laozi (Li Er) verbunden, dem Begründer des Taoismus. Darüber hinaus verlieh die kaiserliche Familie während der Tang-Dynastie vielen verdienten Beamten ihren Nachnamen, was dessen Verbreitung stark förderte.
What Does the Chinese Surname Li Mean?
Der Nachname 'Li' (李) bedeutet wörtlich 'Pflaume' oder 'Pflaumenbaum'. Im alten Chinesisch setzt sich das Schriftzeichen aus dem Radikal 'Mu' (木), was Holz oder Baum bedeutet, und der Komponente 'Zi' (子), was Kind oder Samen bedeutet, zusammen, was gemeinsam den Reichtum an Früchten und Nachkommen des Pflaumenbaums symbolisiert. Es ist einer der häufigsten und prestigeträchtigsten Nachnamen in China, der oft mit Vitalität, natürlicher Erneuerung und dem blühenden Wachstum eines Clans verbunden wird.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Li
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| Lee | English/Korean |
| Ly | Vietnamese |
| Ri | North Korean |
| Lei | Cantonese |
| Lí | Hokkien/Teochew |
Famous People With the Surname Li
1. Laozi (Li Er): Der Begründer des Taoismus und Autor des Tao Te Ching, dessen philosophische Einsichten in den 'Weg' ein Eckpfeiler des östlichen Denkens bleiben.
2. Li Shimin (Kaiser Taizong von Tang): Einer der gefeiertsten Kaiser der chinesischen Geschichte, der durch militärisches Geschick und kluge Staatsführung das goldene Zeitalter der Tang-Dynastie begründete.
3. Li Bai: Ein legendärer Dichter der Tang-Dynastie, bekannt als der 'Dichterunsterbliche', berühmt für seine romantischen und fantasievollen Verse, die die klassische chinesische Literatur prägen.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 李 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in "Li Shimin," "Li" is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BaZi and why does it matter for a Chinese name?+
BaZi (八字), or the Four Pillars of Destiny, is the traditional Chinese astrological framework based on your exact birth time. FindChineseName uses BaZi to calculate your Five Elements (Wu Xing) profile, ensuring your custom name provides astrological balance and cultural harmony.
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Free tools rely on literal phonetic translation, which often results in meaningless or culturally awkward names. The FindChineseName premium algorithm analyzes your BaZi chart to create a uniquely auspicious, highly personalized name rooted in classical Chinese literature.
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Do you explain the meaning behind the Chinese characters?+
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Can I request a specific Chinese surname?+
By default, FindChineseName assigns a culturally compatible surname based on your profile. However, users have the full flexibility to adopt a specific family name if they have existing cultural ties or preferences.