Interpretation of the Li (利) Clan Totem

【Meaning】

The original meaning of Li (利) is "sharp" or "keen." In Oracle Bone Script, the character resembles a plow (li 犁) just breaking the soil; thus, "利" is the original ancestral form of the word for "plow." Philosophically, it represents the harmony of Yin and Yang, where everything finds its proper place. It conveys the idea of harmony, which extends to meanings such as efficiency, swiftness, smoothness, and abundance.

【Origin】

The Li clan is descended from Li Lizhen, an ancestor of the famous philosopher Laozi (Li Er). Li Lizhen (also written as Li Lizheng or Li Lizhen) was the son of Li Zheng, a high-ranking official under King Zhou at the end of the Shang Dynasty. The clan name "Li" (利) was derived from the middle character of his name.

Clan Heritage Profile

Category

Details

First Ancestor (Patriarch)

Li Lizhen

Ancestral Homelands

Lichuan (Hubei), Luyi (Henan)

Prefectural Seat & Hall Name

Henan; Guangling Hall

Modern Ranking / Population

Ranked 374th / Approx. 100,000

Song Dynasty "Hundred Family Surnames" Rank

Beyond 300th

Extant Genealogies

6 volumes