All surnames

Korean surname

Lee

Plum tree

Descriptive surname

The Korean rendering of the same character as Chinese "Li" (plum); the surname of the Joseon dynasty's royal family.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Lee mean?

Plum tree. The Korean rendering of the same character as Chinese "Li" (plum); the surname of the Joseon dynasty's royal family.

Is Lee a common surname?

Lee is a Korean-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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