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Li

Li (利) means 'sharp', 'advantage', or 'profit', symbolizing intelligence, benefit, and success. It is a moderately common surname, often associated with sharpness and prosperity.

4th tone — falling≈ "Plum"Cantonese: LeeHokkien: LiHakka: Li
Q:

What does the Chinese surname Li (Lì) 利 mean?

A:

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.

Ranked #2Over 100 million peopleElement: Wood

Ranking de Población

#2

Aproximadamente Over 100 million personas

Distribución Geográfica

Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

Atributo de los Cinco Elementos

🌿

Wood

crecimiento, vitalidad y bondad

Totem of Li clan

The ancient totem of clan

朱文印 (Yang seal)

Origen e Historia

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

High concentration
Moderate
Low / Other

Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

Evolución del Apellido

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.

Comandancia

Longxi Commandery (陇西郡) — Modern-day Lanzhou area, Gansu Province

Título del Salón

陇西堂 (Longxi Hall)

Salón Ancestral

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.

Lema del Clan y Tradición Familiar

以德立身,以学传家 — Establish oneself through virtue; pass down learning through the family.

Personas Famosas con el Apellido Li

1

Li Yizhen (利一真) — Tang Dynasty general

2

Li Maocai (利茂才) — Ming Dynasty scholar

3

Li Jie (利杰) — Modern Chinese politician

4

Li Bai (李白) — Tang Dynasty poet known as the 'Immortal of Poetry'

5

Li Shimin (李世民) — Emperor Taizong of Tang, one of China's greatest emperors

Tone Compatibility

Li () 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)

Nombres de Ejemplo con Li

Your Li Family Legend

The Li (利) clan traces its roots back through millennia of Chinese 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'. As the #2 surname in China, the Li family has shaped the nation's destiny for generations. The Li surname traces back to Gao Yao, a minister of Emperor Shun (c. "以德立身,以学传家 — Establish oneself through virtue; pass down learning through the family." — this ancient family motto has guided the Li clan through centuries of triumph and adversity. Notable bearers of the Li name include Li Yizhen (利一真) and Li Maocai (利茂才), whose legacies continue to inspire descendants around the world today.

Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Qué significa el apellido chino 利 Li?

利 Li (Lì) es el #2 apellido más común en China. Li (利) means 'sharp', 'advantage', or 'profit', symbolizing intelligence, benefit, and success. It is a moderately common surname, often associated with sharpness and prosperity.

¿De dónde proviene el apellido 利 Li?

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'.

¿Quiénes son algunas personas famosas con el apellido 利 Li?

Personas notables incluyen Li Yizhen (利一真) — Tang Dynasty general, Li Maocai (利茂才) — Ming Dynasty scholar, Li Jie (利杰) — Modern Chinese politician.

¿Cuántas personas tienen el apellido 利 Li en China?

El apellido Li ocupa el puesto #2 en China con aproximadamente Over 100 million personas. Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

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