Holding steady.
Popularity of Li since 1952
Babies named Li per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 8 | 10 |
| 1980s | 82 | 0 |
| 1990s | 79 | 11 |
| 2000s | 76 | 72 |
| 2010s | 0 | 27 |
| 2020s | 0 | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Li is a short, straightforward name of Chinese origin that has been in consistent but low usage in the United States since it was first recorded in 1952. Its popularity peaked in 1983, when it was given most often. The name has remained stable in frequency since then, never breaking into the top thousand. Because Li is such a common surname and given name in China, its use in the U.S. reflects growing multicultural naming trends and the Chinese diaspora. The name's meaning varies with the character used, making it a versatile choice for families who value simplicity and cultural heritage.
Li is a common Chinese surname or given name derived from various Chinese characters, most frequently 李 (plum) or 丽 (beautiful). As a given name, it has been used across East Asia and among diaspora communities. In the United States, it gained modest use from the mid-20th century, peaking in 1983.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Lee
Sibling names for Li
Names that share Li's style, for a brother or sister.
