李
Li
Pronounced like: "Lee"
Other Spellings: Lee, Ly, Ri, Lei, Lí
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Li Family Name
The Li surname has multiple historical roots. One major lineage traces back to Gao Yao, a Minister of Justice during the legendary reign of Emperors Yao and Shun; his descendants originally used the homophone 'Li' (理), meaning 'reason' or 'judge,' which later evolved into the character for 'plum.' Another significant origin is associated with Laozi (Li Er), the founder of Taoism. Furthermore, during the Tang Dynasty, the imperial family shared their surname with many meritorious officials and diverse ethnic groups, dramatically increasing its population.
What Does the Chinese Surname Li Mean?
The surname 'Li' (李) literally translates to 'plum' or 'plum tree.' In ancient Chinese, the character is composed of the radical 'Mu' (木), meaning wood or tree, and the component 'Zi' (子), meaning child or seed, which together symbolize the abundance of the plum tree's fruit and offspring. It is one of the most common and prestigious surnames in China, frequently associated with vitality, natural renewal, and the flourishing growth of a clan.
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): The founder of Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching, whose philosophical insights into the 'Way' remain a cornerstone of Eastern thought.
2. Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang): One of the most celebrated emperors in Chinese history, he established the golden age of the Tang Dynasty through military prowess and wise governance.
3. Li Bai: A legendary poet of the Tang Dynasty known as the 'Poet Immortal,' famous for his romantic, imaginative, and masterful verse that defines Chinese classical literature.
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
What does the Chinese surname Li (李) mean?+
The surname 'Li' (李) literally translates to 'plum' or 'plum tree.' In ancient Chinese, the character is composed of the radical 'Mu' (木), meaning wood or tree, and the component 'Zi' (子), meaning child or seed, which together symbolize the abundance of the plum tree's fruit and offspring. It is one of the most common and prestigious surnames in China, frequently associated with vitality, natural renewal, and the flourishing growth of a clan.
How common is the surname Li?+
The surname Li ranks approximately #1 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 李?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Li. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Lee".
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.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.