利LiSurname
Lì
Li (利) means 'sharp', 'advantage', or 'profit', symbolizing intelligence, benefit, and success. It is a moderately common surname, often associated with sharpness and prosperity.
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 has multiple origins. It came from the ancient state of Li during the Xia Dynasty. Some bearers are descendants of officials named Li, or adopted the surname for its auspicious meaning of 'profit'.
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 Yizhen (利一真) — Tang Dynasty general
Li Maocai (利茂才) — Ming Dynasty scholar
Li Jie (利杰) — Modern Chinese politician
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
Popular Chinese Name Collections
Want Your Own Unique Chinese Name?
Our engine creates personalized names based on your English name and preferred style.
Try the Name Generator→Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname Li mean in Chinese?
The surname Li (利) means 'sharp', 'advantage', or 'profit', symbolizing intelligence, benefit, and success. It is a moderately common surname, often associated with sharpness and prosperity. The character conveys efficiency and gain.
Where does the Li surname originate from?
The Li surname has multiple origins. It came from the ancient state of Li during the Xia Dynasty, located in present-day Henan province. Some bearers are descendants of the legendary Emperor Yao. It is also derived from the name of a fiefdom granted to a noble during the Zhou Dynasty.
Who are some famous people with the surname Li?
Notable people with the surname Li include: Li Bai, a famous Tang Dynasty poet; Li Shizhen, a Ming Dynasty physician and pharmacologist; and Li Na, a Chinese tennis player and Grand Slam champion.
What given names go well with the surname Li?
Given names that pair well with Li often emphasize sharpness and success, such as Li Rui (sharp) or Li Ming (bright). Names suggesting benefit, like Li Yi (benefit) or Li Cheng (success), complement the surname's meaning of advantage.