Li
Lǐ
Li (李) means 'plum' and is one of the most common Chinese surnames. It represents resilience and sweetness, as the plum blossom blooms even in harsh winter.
Population Ranking
#2
Estimated Over 100 million people
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong
Five Element Attribute
Wood
growth, vitality, and kindness
Origen e Historia
According to legend, the Li surname originated when an official named Li Zheng was saved from starvation by eating plums (李). The Li family founded the Tang Dynasty, one of China's greatest empires.
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.
Personas Famosas con el Apellido Li
Li Bai (李白) — The immortal poet of the Tang Dynasty
Li Shimin (李世民) — Emperor Taizong of Tang, one of China's greatest emperors
Li Qingzhao (李清照) — The greatest female poet in Chinese history
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