What is the Origin of the Last Name Lee?

The last name Lee is one of the most common surnames in the world, with an estimated 100 million people bearing this name. However, the origin and history of the Lee surname varies depending on the country. In this article, we will explore the origin and history of the Lee surname in China, Korea, Vietnam, and England.

In China, the Lee surname is written as 李 (Lǐ) in Mandarin and is the second most common surname after Wang. The origin of the Lee surname in China can be traced back to the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE), where it was the surname of the ruling family of the state of Wei. Over time, the Lee surname spread to other parts of China and became one of the most popular surnames in the country. Today, there are over 100 million people in China with the Lee surname.

In Korea, the Lee surname is written as 이 (I) in Hangul and is the most common surname in the country. The origin of the Lee surname in Korea can be traced back to the Silla dynasty (57 BCE-935 CE), where it was the surname of the royal family. Over time, the Lee surname spread to other parts of Korea and became one of the most popular surnames in the country. Today, there are over 7 million people in Korea with the Lee surname.

In Vietnam, the Lee surname is written as Lý and is the 16th most common surname in the country. The origin of the Lee surname in Vietnam can be traced back to the Lý dynasty (1009-1225 CE), where it was the surname of the ruling family. Over time, the Lee surname spread to other parts of Vietnam and became one of the most popular surnames in the country. Today, there are over 1 million people in Vietnam with the Lee surname.

In England, the Lee surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word leah, which means a clearing in a forest. The Lee surname was first recorded in England in the 12th century and was originally spelled Lea. Over time, the spelling of the surname changed to Lee. Today, the Lee surname is the 18th most common surname in England.

There have been many famous people throughout history with the Lee surname, including: - Bruce Lee, a famous martial artist and actor - Spike Lee, a famous film director - Stan Lee, a famous comic book writer and editor - Robert E. Lee, a famous Confederate general during the American Civil War - Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore - Lee Myung-bak, the former President of South Korea - Lee Hsien Loong, the current Prime Minister of Singapore - Lee Min-ho, a famous South Korean actor - Lee Jong-suk, a famous South Korean actor

The Lee surname is a common surname in various countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and England. The origin and history of the Lee surname varies depending on the country, but it is clear that the Lee surname has a rich and diverse history. Whether you are of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, or English descent, the Lee surname is a part of your heritage and history.