厉LiSurname
Lì
Li (厉) means strict, severe, or fierce, and also refers to a grindstone. As a surname, it symbolizes discipline and strength. It is an uncommon surname with ancient origins.
Lì
Mainland China · Taiwan
Lee
Guangdong · Hong Kong
Li
Fujian · Taiwan · SE Asia
Li
Meizhou · Taiwan · SE Asia
Population Ranking
#2
Estimated Over 100 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong
Five Element Analysis
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origin & History
The Li surname originated from the state of Li during the Zhou Dynasty, which was located in present-day Henan province. Another origin is from the posthumous title of a ruler, such as King Li of Zhou. Some descendants of the Li state adopted the name as their surname.
Surname Evolution
The Li surname traces back to Gao Yao, a minister of Emperor Shun (c. 2200 BCE). During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), the Li clan became the imperial family, making it one of the most prestigious surnames in Chinese history. The Zhao Commandery Li clan was particularly influential, producing emperors, poets, and generals.
Commandery
Longxi Commandery (陇西郡) — Modern-day Lanzhou area, Gansu Province
Hall Title
陇西堂 (Longxi Hall)
Ancestral Hall
Li Clan Ancestral Hall in Longxi, Gansu — Known as the ancestral homeland of the Li surname. The hall preserves genealogical records spanning over 2,000 years and hosts annual clan gatherings during the Qingming Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
以德立身，以学传家 — Establish oneself through virtue; pass down learning through the family.
Famous People with Surname Li
Li Feng (厉锋) — Tang Dynasty general
Li Yining (厉以宁) — Modern Chinese economist
Li Guohao (厉国豪) — Contemporary artist
Tone Compatibility
Li (Lì) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and bright
bright and peaceful
vast as ocean and sun
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Li
Your Li Family Legend
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What does the surname Li mean in Chinese?
The surname Li (厉) means 'strict', 'severe', or 'fierce', and also refers to a grindstone. As a surname, it symbolizes discipline and strength. The character is formed with 'cliff' (厂) and 'ten thousand' (万), suggesting a formidable nature. It is an uncommon surname, ranking 2nd among Chinese surnames by population, but note that this Li is different from the common Li (李).
Where does the Li surname originate from?
The Li surname (厉) originated from the state of Li during the Zhou Dynasty, located in present-day Henan Province. The state was enfeoffed to a descendant of the Yellow Emperor. After the state was annexed, its people adopted Li as their surname. Another branch descended from Duke Li of Chen, whose posthumous name was Li. It is a rare surname with ancient origins.
Who are some famous people with the surname Li?
1. Li Su (born 1985), a Chinese footballer who played for the national team. 2. Li Yitang (1881–1948), a Chinese politician and military officer. 3. Li Xiang (born 1976), a Chinese actress and host. Note: Famous figures with the common Li (李) are not included here.
What given names go well with the surname Li?
For the surname Li (厉), names that emphasize virtue or gentleness can create a harmonious balance. For instance, Li De (厉德) 'virtue' or Li Wen (厉文) 'culture' soften the severity. Names with peaceful meanings like Li An (厉安) 'peace' or Li He (厉和) 'harmony' work well. Avoid names that double the harshness, such as Li Qiang (厉强) 'strong'.