Li Surname

Surname Overview

The Li surname is currently uncommon. It is found among both Han and Manchu people, with distribution in Gu'an of Hebei, Qingyuan of Liaoning, Taiyuan of Shanxi, as well as Guichi of Anhui and Pucheng of Fujian.

Reference: 礼姓_礼姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Several origins are recorded for the Li surname: descendants of the Wei officials Li Kong and Li Zhi, a branch connected with Kangshu of the Ji surname, descendants of ancient ritual officials who adopted an official title as their surname, people originally surnamed A in Yongningzhou who were granted the Li surname in the first year of the Yongle era, and a Manchu Li surname.

Reference: 礼姓_礼姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery Origin

The Li lineage is associated with Pingyuan, now the area around Pingyuan County in northwestern Shandong.

Reference: 礼姓_礼姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The Manchu Li surname arose as a branch of the Sakda surname. Between approximately 1662 and 1675, the Sakda lineage divided into several single-character Han surnames, including Li. Today, most Li descendants live in the Liaoshen region, with smaller numbers in Beijing and Tianjin.

Reference: 礼姓_礼姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Historical figures of the Li surname include Li Zhi, a Wei official during the Spring and Autumn period; Li Zhen of the Eastern Han, known for his mastery of the Book of Documents; and Li Men, a successful metropolitan examination candidate in the second year of the Longqing era of the Ming dynasty.

Reference: 礼姓_礼姓的来源和历史_百家姓