Origin & Meaning of the Li Surname
What does the last name Li mean?
The surname Li carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 111,786 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Li ranks as the #273 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Li come from?
The Li surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian 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 Li name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Li trace back to Asian. 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 | Li |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #273 |
| US Count (2010) | 111,786 |
| Per 100K People | 37.9 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Li
According to the US Census, the Li surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 111,786 Americans with the Li last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.49% |
| Black | 0.19% |
| Hispanic | 0.63% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 96.78% |
| Native American | 0.02% |
| Two or More Races | 0.89% |
Popularity of Li Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Li surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Li surname increased by 54,000 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Li Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Li ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Li Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Li Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Li
- ✓ The Li coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Li families live today
- ✓ Notable Li 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.
Similar Surnames to Li
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Li.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Li.
Frequently Asked Questions About Li
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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