Origin & Meaning of the Lei Surname
What does the last name Lei mean?
The surname Lei carries the meaning "The (article)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,504 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lei ranks as the #4,726 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lei come from?
The Lei surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Lei name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lei trace back to French. 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 | Lei |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,726 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,504 |
| Per 100K People | 2.54 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lei
According to the US Census, the Lei surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,504 Americans with the Lei last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.25% |
| Black | 0.51% |
| Hispanic | 0.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.23% |
| Native American | 0.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.16% |
Popularity of Lei Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lei surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lei surname increased by 2,755 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Lei.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lei
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