Li Surname

Surname Overview

The Li surname is a multi-ethnic, multi-origin surname group and is not ranked among the top 300 surnames in mainland China or Taiwan.

Reference: 利姓分布-利姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄利氏网

Origins

Main Origins

The Li surname has four recorded origins: Ying, Mi, Wei, and non-Han groups. These include descendants of Li Lizhen, an ancestor of Laozi; descendants of a Chu prince enfeoffed at Li; descendants of the ancient Li state; and the adoption of Li by the Northern Wei Chilì clan.

Reference: 利姓起源分布与家谱家族

Historical Records

Early Attestations and Figures

The earliest written record of the surname is Li Lizhen, dated from the late Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period, followed by Li Jiu. Other associated historical figures include Li Ji, Li Qian, Li Cang, Li She, Li Shen, and Li Yuanji.

Reference: 利姓分布-利姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄利氏网

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery and Hall

The Li surname's commandery designation is Henan Commandery, and Henan Hall was named after it. Henan Commandery was established by Emperor Gaozu of Han and was located around present-day Luoyang, Henan.

Reference: 利姓_利姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

In the early Northern Song, one Jiangxi Li branch moved south to Baochang in Nanxiong; between 976 and 984, it moved to present-day Dali in Changping, Dongguan, which became the birthplace of the Guangdong Li lineage. Today the surname is distributed across Guangxi, Guangdong, Henan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Hainan, Sichuan, Hubei, and Taiwan.

Reference: 利姓分布-利姓氏分布图，分布地区 - 炎黄利氏网