Lí Surname

Surname Overview

The Li surname (麗) is currently uncommon. It is found in Jingxian of Hebei, Ji'an of Jiangxi, Zhijiang of Hunan, and Lushui of Yunnan, among other places, and occurs among both the Han and Lisu peoples.

Reference: 丽姓_丽姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Three Origin Traditions

Several origin traditions are recorded: one traces the surname to the descendants of Jiang Li of Jin, adopting an ancestor's name; another traces it to descendants of the Jiang clan; and another says it was changed from Lishan. Other accounts connect it with a small Shang state ruled by a male noble, whose descendants took the state name, or with descendants of the Lishan clan.

Reference: 丽姓_丽姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Record and Distribution

The surname is recorded in the Clan Records section of the Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi. It is also found in Wujin of Jiangsu, Huainan of Anhui, Wulian of Hebei, Rui'an of Zhejiang, and Beijing.

Reference: 丽姓_丽姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Recorded historical figures with the Li surname include Li Juan of the Han dynasty, Li Guizhen of Later Liang, Li Bolü of Northern Qi, and Li Pu of the Ming dynasty. Li Bolü served as Censor-in-Chief, and Li Pu served as a judge in Xingguo Prefecture.

Reference: 丽姓_丽姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Pronunciation and Character Form

The surname is generally pronounced lí, although a reading of lì is also recorded; one variant form is 骊.

Reference: 丽姓_丽姓的来源和历史_百家姓