Origin & Meaning of the Lee Surname
What does the last name Lee mean?
The surname Lee carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing (English), or plum tree (Chinese Li)." It is derived from the Multiple language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 693,023 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lee ranks as the #21 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lee come from?
The Lee surname has its roots in English/Chinese/Korean heritage. Names of English/Chinese/Korean origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lee name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lee trace back to Multiple. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lee |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing (English), or plum tree (Chinese Li) |
| 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
According to the US Census, the Lee surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 693,023 Americans with the Lee last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 35.95% |
| Black | 16.33% |
| Hispanic | 1.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 42.22% |
| Native American | 0.97% |
| Two or More Races | 2.64% |
Popularity of Lee Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lee surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lee surname increased by 87,163 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lee Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lee ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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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
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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.
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