Origin of the Li Surname
The Li surname is of Asian origin (Asian). In the 2010 U.S. Census it ranked #273 with 111,786 Americans (37.9 per 100K people).
What the name meant to the first families who bore it — and how Li traveled across regions and centuries — is written out in the full Heritage Report.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Li |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Full etymology in the Heritage Report |
| 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
Among 111,786 Americans named Li, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander (96.78%).
The full multi-group chart (every percentage, print-ready) is inside the Heritage Report — not repeated here.
Popularity of Li Over Time
Between the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census, the national rank of Li moved up. Exact counts for both years — print-ready — are in the Heritage Report.
Where did the Li family really come from?
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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.
Get one Li fact most families never hear by email — a teaser, not the full etymology (that’s in the report).
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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