郦LiSurname
Lì
Li (郦) is a toponymic surname derived from the ancient place name Li, located in present-day Henan Province. It symbolizes a connection to a specific historical region.
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 Xia Dynasty, and later from the Li County in the Han Dynasty. Descendants of the rulers of Li adopted the place 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 Daoyuan (郦道元) — Famous Northern Wei geographer and author of 'Commentary on the Water Classic'
Li Shishou (郦食其) — A strategist during the early Han Dynasty who served Liu Bang
Li Bo (郦波) — Modern scholar and professor at Nanjing Normal University
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?
Li (郦) is a toponymic surname derived from the ancient place name Li, located in present-day Henan Province. It symbolizes a connection to a specific historical region.
Where does the Li surname originate from?
The Li surname originated from the state of Li during the Xia Dynasty, and later from the Li County in the Han Dynasty. It is also derived from the descendants of a noble family in the state of Li.
Who are some famous people with the surname Li?
1. Li Daoyuan (Northern Wei geographer, author of 'Commentary on the Water Classic'). 2. Li Shangyin (Tang Dynasty poet). 3. Li Bai (Tang Dynasty poet, though his surname is different character). Note: Famous figures with this exact character are limited.
What given names go well with the surname Li?
Given names that reflect historical or geographical themes, like 'Shan' (mountain) or 'Chuan' (river), are fitting. Examples: Li Shan (郦山) or Li Chuan (郦川). Such names honor the surname's toponymic origin.