All surnames

Chinese surname

Li

Plum tree

Descriptive surname

Li (李) is the second most common Chinese surname and means 'plum tree'. It is said to have originated from the legendary figure Laozi (Li Er) and from several other ancient lineages. The plum tree was valued for its fruit and its symbolic associations with resilience.

The surname is extremely widespread in China and among the global Chinese community. Its frequency is comparable to that of Wang.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Li mean?+

Plum tree. From 李 (li, "plum"); one of the most common surnames in the world, borne by the ruling family of the Tang dynasty.

Is Li a common surname?+

Li is a Chinese-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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