Surname Overview
The Li surname is currently a relatively rare Han Chinese surname, found today in Qingliu, Fujian; Yuyao, Zhejiang; Zhouqu, Gansu; Linfen, Shanxi; and the Yanbei area.
Li Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 7,489Li / Li
Origins
Origin From an Office
One account traces the surname to Gao Yao, who served as a li official; his descendants inherited the office and took Li as their surname.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The Clan Treatises of the Zheng Comprehensive Annals and the Continued Comprehensive Annals both record the Li surname.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution and Migration
The Li surname is widely distributed but has a small population. Small numbers remain in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan; some continue the ancient surname, while others changed back from Li.
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Surname attestation references
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