Ly

李 — Plum tree; the most common surname in China

950,000

Population

#14

Country Rank

0.95%

of Population

Vietnamese Names

Culture

Origin & History

Lý corresponds to 李 (Lǐ), the plum tree, and is the most common surname in China. In Vietnam, it is forever linked to the Lý Dynasty (1009–1225), the first long-lasting dynasty to rule a united, independent Vietnam. Emperor Lý Thái Tổ founded the dynasty and moved the capital to Thăng Long (modern Hanoi) in 1010. The surname spread widely during the dynasty's two-century reign.