Li Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: lee /liː/
Origin: Chinese; English
Meaning: Chinese: plum; English: from the meadow
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Li has its roots in Chinese linguistics, where it is represented by various characters, the most common being 李, which means "plum". The character has been used in Chinese culture for centuries and is associated with the Li family name, one of the most prevalent surnames in China.
The name's etymology can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts, where it appears in various forms, reflecting the rich linguistic history of the Chinese language. The name Li can also be derived from other characters with different meanings, such as 理, meaning "reason" or "logic," and 立, meaning "to stand." This versatility in meaning contributes to its cultural significance in Chinese society.
Historically, the name Li has been borne by notable figures throughout Chinese history, including emperors and scholars. One of the most significant historical milestones is the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), during which the Li family name was associated with the ruling dynasty, establishing a legacy that has endured through the centuries.
Additionally, the name appears in classical literature and poetry, often symbolizing beauty and resilience, reflecting the cultural values of harmony and balance in Chinese philosophy. Culturally, the name Li resonates with various traditional associations, often linked to nature and the virtues of simplicity and elegance.
In Chinese culture, the plum tree is celebrated for its ability to bloom in harsh winter conditions, symbolizing perseverance and hope. The name's enduring presence in literature, art, and folklore underscores its significance, making it a name that carries deep cultural resonance.
In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations of the name may arise, but the core significance of Li remains rooted in its historical and cultural heritage.
Famous people named Li
In this section, you will find notable people named Li. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Li who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Li who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Li Na is a retired professional tennis player best known for winning the French Open and the Australian Open.
Li Bingbing is an actress and singer best known for The Meg, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and The Forbidden Kingdom.
Li Yuan is a Chinese entrepreneur best known for founding the technology company Alibaba Group.
Li Xiaopeng is a retired Chinese gymnast best known for competing in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and winning multiple world championships.
Fictional characters named Li
The following list of fictional characters named Li is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Li Shang is a fictional character from the animated film Mulan. He is a skilled warrior and captain who trains Mulan and leads the army against the Huns.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Li, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Li. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Li was first seen in the United States in 1952.
Li has ranked as high as #1102 nationally, which occurred in 1983, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Li has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Li is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Li was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Li (2005)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Li.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1995 | 11 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1989 | 13 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1983 | 14 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1952 | 5 |