Origin of the Lee Surname
The Lee surname is of English/Chinese/Korean origin (Multiple). In the 2010 U.S. Census it ranked #21 with 693,023 Americans (234.94 per 100K people).
What the name meant to the first families who bore it — and how Lee traveled across regions and centuries — is written out in the full Heritage Report.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lee |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Full etymology in the Heritage Report |
| Origin | English/Chinese/Korean |
| Language | Multiple |
| US Rank (2010) | #21 |
| US Count (2010) | 693,023 |
| Per 100K People | 234.94 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lee
Among 693,023 Americans named Lee, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander (42.22%).
The full multi-group chart (every percentage, print-ready) is inside the Heritage Report — not repeated here.
Popularity of Lee Over Time
Between the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census, the national rank of Lee moved up. Exact counts for both years — print-ready — are in the Heritage Report.
Where did the Lee family really come from?
A simple cheek swab reveals your ethnic origins, maps where your Lee ancestors lived, and connects you with living relatives who share your DNA.
- 🧬 A detailed estimate of your ethnic origins
- 🗺️ See where your Lee ancestors lived & migrated
- 👪 Get matched with relatives you never knew you had
Trusted by millions who've uncovered their family story
Prefer another lab? 23andMe · MyHeritage
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Lee Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Lee Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lee
- ✓ The Lee coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lee families live today
- ✓ Notable Lee bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Get one Lee fact most families never hear by email — a teaser, not the full etymology (that’s in the report).
Similar Surnames to Lee
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Lee surname also look for: