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Li

Li (里) means 'village' or 'neighborhood' in Chinese, often associated with community and local governance. As a surname, it is relatively rare but carries a sense of belonging and rural roots.

3rd tone — dipping≈ "Plum"Cantonese: LeeHokkien: LiHakka: Li
Q:

What does the Chinese surname Li (Lǐ) 里 mean?

A:

里 Li (Lǐ) is the #2 most common Chinese surname with approximately Over 100 million people. Li (里) means 'village' or 'neighborhood' in Chinese, often associated with community and local governance. As a surname, it is relatively rare but carries a sense of belonging and rural roots.

Ranked #2Over 100 million peopleElement: Wood

Classement par Population

#2

Environ Over 100 million personnes

Répartition Géographique

Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

Attribut des Cinq Éléments

🌿

Wood

croissance, vitalité et bienveillance

Totem of Li clan

The ancient totem of clan

朱文印 (Yang seal)

Origine & Histoire

The Li surname has multiple origins. Some bearers are descendants of officials in charge of village administration (里正) during the Zhou Dynasty. Others trace their lineage to the ancient state of Li (里) during the Spring and Autumn period.

Geographic Distribution

High concentration
Moderate
Low / Other

Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

Évolution du Nom de Famille

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.

Commanderie

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

Titre de Salle

陇西堂 (Longxi Hall)

Salle Ancestrale

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.

Devise du Clan & Tradition Familiale

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

Personnes Célèbres Nommées Li

1

Li Ke (里克) — Minister of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period

2

Li Ji (里季) — Ancient philosopher mentioned in Zhuangzi

3

Li Zhong (里中) — Ming Dynasty scholar

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 3rd tone (dipping) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.

Recommended Patterns

  • 3-1-2
  • 3-2-4
  • 3-4-2

Patterns to Avoid

  • 3-3-3 (three dips)
  • 3-1-1 (abrupt)

Noms d'Exemple avec Li

Your Li Family Legend

The Li (里) clan traces its roots back through millennia of Chinese history. The Li surname has multiple origins. Some bearers are descendants of officials in charge of village administration (里正) during the Zhou Dynasty. Others trace their lineage to the ancient state of Li (里) during the Spring and Autumn period. 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 Ke (里克) and Li Ji (里季), whose legacies continue to inspire descendants around the world today.

Questions Fréquentes

Que signifie le nom de famille chinois 里 Li ?

里 Li (Lǐ) est le #2 nom de famille le plus courant en Chine. Li (里) means 'village' or 'neighborhood' in Chinese, often associated with community and local governance. As a surname, it is relatively rare but carries a sense of belonging and rural roots.

D'où vient le nom de famille 里 Li ?

The Li surname has multiple origins. Some bearers are descendants of officials in charge of village administration (里正) during the Zhou Dynasty. Others trace their lineage to the ancient state of Li (里) during the Spring and Autumn period.

Quelles personnes célèbres portent le nom de famille 里 Li ?

Les personnes notables incluent Li Ke (里克) — Minister of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period, Li Ji (里季) — Ancient philosopher mentioned in Zhuangzi, Li Zhong (里中) — Ming Dynasty scholar.

Combien de personnes portent le nom de famille 里 Li en Chine ?

Le nom de famille Li est classé #2 en Chine avec environ Over 100 million personnes. Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Guangdong

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