All about the name

Lee

Female

« Lee is a common Korean family name with origins dating back centuries, used for both males and females, and currently popular among Korean parents. While it doesn't have a specific English translation or meaning, those named Lee often associate it with balance and harmony. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Lee is a popular given name of Korean origin, derived from the family name "Li". It has been used as both a male and female name in Korea for centuries. In Korean culture, names are typically composed of two parts: a family name (surname) and a given name. Lee falls under the category of family names, which are passed down through generations. The Lee family name is one of the most common in South Korea, with its origins dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE). As for its meaning, there isn't a specific translation of the name Lee into English, as it doesn't hold any particular significance or symbolism like many other Korean names do. However, people named Lee often say they feel their name represents balance and harmony due to its neutrality. Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the Lee family name, including: * General Lee Yaocheng (1864-1928), a military officer during the Qing Dynasty who played a significant role in resisting foreign aggression. * Lee Kun-hee (1932-2020), former chairman of Samsung Group and one of South Korea's most prominent businessmen. * Lee Myung-bak (born 1941), the ninth President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. Today, Lee remains a popular choice among Korean parents for their children, regardless of gender. It has also gained international recognition and usage due to its simplicity and ease of pronunciation in many languages.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lee since 1880

Total births
62,251
Total since 1880
Peak year
1956
1,937 births
in 2023
24
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+7%
vs previous 5 years