Last Name Lei

The surname Lei (also spelled Leigh) is of Old English origin. It was originally a place name derived from "leah," which meant "clearing" or "woodland glade." Over time, it came to be used as an occupational surname for someone who lived near a clearing or woodland area, or perhaps someone who worked in such an area. The name can also be found in various forms in other languages, such as Irish (Léigh), Scottish Gaelic (Lèidh), and Welsh (Leighton). It is also the surname of many notable people throughout history, including actress Megan Leigh Leigh, and the mathematician John Leech Levermore.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lei

The meaning and origin of the last name Lei

The surname Lei (pronounced "LAY") is of Old Norse origin, derived from the name Leifr or Leifur. In Old Norse, Leifr means "descendant" or "heir." This surname was often given to the first-born son who would carry on his family's legacy and inherit their land. The name was brought to Britain by Viking invaders in the late 9th century. Over time, it underwent phonetic changes due to language shifts and became modern English forms such as Leigh, Lee, and variations like Lai or Lie. Today, the surname Lei (or its variants) is widespread across Europe, particularly in England and Scotland, though it can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration and historical events.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lei

The surname Lei is predominantly found in East Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan, where it originates from the Min Nan language spoken by the Hoklo (Hokkien) people. It is one of the most common surnames in both countries. In China, it ranks among the top 10 surnames nationwide, with a significant concentration in provinces such as Fujian and Guangdong. In Taiwan, it is also among the top 10 surnames. The diaspora of people with the Lei surname has led to its presence in various other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania, where Chinese immigration has been significant. However, outside East Asia, it is relatively less common.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lei

The surname Lei can have various spellings and variations across different regions and countries. Some common spelling variants include: Leigh, Leighs, Lai, Laye, Lae, Lay, Ley, Lea, Lee, Lejeune, and De Lei. These variations may be due to phonetic differences, historical changes in surname spelling, or regional dialects. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a particular individual's name should always be used when addressing them to show respect and courtesy. Additionally, it is important to remember that the correct pronunciation may differ depending on the region where the name originates. For example, in English-speaking countries, the "i" in Leigh might sound like "ei," while in some French-speaking regions, De Lei would be pronounced with an emphasis on the "e."

Famous people with the last name Lei

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lei include Lei Jun, a Chinese business magnate and founder of Xiaomi Corporation, one of the world's largest smartphone manufacturers. In the arts, Lei Yu Ching is a renowned Taiwanese-American mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics education and geometry. From the world of music, Lei Liang is a Chinese composer known for blending traditional Chinese musical elements with Western classical music techniques. Furthermore, Li Ka-shing, a prominent business tycoon in Asia, carries the Cantonese variant of the same surname. These individuals exemplify diverse achievements and contributions in various fields such as technology, mathematics, arts, and business, making the Lei family name globally recognized.

Genealogical research on the last name Lei

The surname Lei originates from China, where it is a common name found predominantly among the Han Chinese population. It is written as 黎 or 雷 in traditional and simplified Chinese characters, respectively. The character 黎 is often associated with mountains, symbolizing strength and stability, while 雷 (Lei) means thunder or lightning, signifying power and dynamic energy.

The Lei family can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), a prominent Lei clan resided in present-day Henan province, where they were known for their military prowess and political influence. In more recent history, notable figures with the surname Lei have emerged across various fields such as literature, politics, science, and martial arts. For instance, Liu Lei was a renowned poet during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), while Zhang Lei is a contemporary Chinese business magnate and philanthropist.

The Lei family diaspora includes significant numbers in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others. The name continues to be widely used and represents a rich and diverse Chinese heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lei"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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