利Li
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.
What does the Chinese surname Li (Lì) 利 mean?
利 Li (Lì) is the #2 most common Chinese surname with approximately Over 100 million people. Li (利) means 'sharp', 'advantage', or 'profit', symbolizing intelligence, benefit, and success. It is a moderately common surname, often associated with sharpness and prosperity.
Population Ranking
#2
Estimated Over 100 million people
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong
Five Element Attribute
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
The ancient totem of 利 clan
朱文印 (Yang seal) — 利
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'.
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong
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 Named Li
Li Yizhen (利一真) — Tang Dynasty general
Li Maocai (利茂才) — Ming Dynasty scholar
Li Jie (利杰) — Modern Chinese politician
Li Bai (李白) — Tang Dynasty poet known as the 'Immortal of Poetry'
Li Shimin (李世民) — Emperor Taizong of Tang, one of China's greatest emperors
Tone Compatibility
Li (Lì) is a 4th tone (falling) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
- 4-1-2
- 4-2-1
- 4-3-2
Patterns to Avoid
- 4-4-4 (too forceful)
- 4-1-4 (jerky)
Example Names with Li
Your Li Family Legend
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname 利 Li mean in Chinese?
利 Li (Lì) is the #2 most common Chinese 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.
Where does the 利 Li surname originate from?
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'.
Who are some famous people with the surname 利 Li?
Notable people include Li Yizhen (利一真) — Tang Dynasty general, Li Maocai (利茂才) — Ming Dynasty scholar, Li Jie (利杰) — Modern Chinese politician.
How many people have the surname 利 Li in China?
The surname Li is ranked #2 in China with approximately Over 100 million people. Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong