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Last Name Li-shuang

What is the origin of the last name Li-shuang?

The surname Li-Shuang is a compound Chinese surname, composed of two separate components - "Li" and "Shuang." The "Li" character (李) is one of the oldest and most common Chinese family names. Its origins can be traced back to the Xia Dynasty (around 2070-1600 BCE). According to legend, it was named after a famous minister during the reign of Emperor Yu, who controlled the floods by dredging rivers. The "Shuang" component (双) is derived from the Chinese character for 'double' or 'pair.' It may have originated as a nickname or descriptive term, possibly referring to someone with twin siblings, twins born in the family, or even having two surnames. However, without specific historical records, it's challenging to provide a definitive explanation for its use as a surname. It is also worth noting that Chinese surnames can be complex and often have multiple possible origins. Compound names like Li-Shuang may have unique family histories or regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Li-shuang

The meaning and origin of the last name Li-shuang

The surname Li-Shuang, while not traditionally recognized as a separate Chinese surname, is a combination of two distinct components - Li and Shuang - both of which are common Chinese surnames and given names, respectively.

The surname Li originates from the ancient Chinese state of Lu during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE - 256 BCE). The Li clan was one of the Five Clans of Yu, a group of five noble families that ruled over early China under Emperor Yuan. The surname Shuang is believed to have originated from the ancient Chinese state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE - 476 BCE). It translates to "double" in English, and individuals with this name were often associated with duality or pairs.

In modern times, it is not uncommon for Chinese individuals to have a combination of surnames, as Li-Shuang may indicate. This practice has historical roots, as imperial edicts during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) allowed families to take on additional surnames or given names to honor ancestors, pay homage to heroes, or mark significant events in their lives.

Geographical distribution of the last name Li-shuang

The surname Li-Shuang is predominantly found in East Asia, particularly among the Han Chinese population due to its origin as a traditional Chinese family name. In China, it ranks among the top common surnames, with significant concentrations in various regions including the southern provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, as well as in Henan, Shandong, and Jiangsu. Beyond mainland China, Li-Shuang can also be found among Chinese diaspora communities in countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and various regions in North America and Europe, where they have migrated for work or study opportunities. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges of the Chinese population over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Li-shuang

The surname Li-Shuang can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in Romanization systems and personal preferences. Some common variations include:

1. Lee-Shuang, Lee-Shwang, or Leeshuang - these are phonetic adaptations of the Chinese name using the Wade-Giles system, a historically used system for transcribing Mandarin into Latin characters.

2. Li Shuang (simplified) and Li Shuang (traditional) - These are the standard pinyin transcriptions of the surname Li followed by the given name Shuang. The simplified version is more commonly used in mainland China, while the traditional version is used in Taiwan.

3. Li-Xiaoshuang or Li Xiaoshuang - This variation adds the common Chinese given name Xiaoshuang to the surname Li.

4. Lee Swung, Lee Schwong, or Leeshwang - These are alternative phonetic adaptations of the name using the Hanyu Pinyin system, a more modern and internationally accepted Romanization method for Mandarin Chinese.

Famous people with the last name Li-shuang

Li Shuang is a name that has been associated with notable individuals in various fields. One such individual is Li Shuangjiang, a renowned Chinese writer who is best known for his works "The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars" and "Eight Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains." Another prominent figure is Li Shuang (born 1983), a Chinese entrepreneur and co-founder of the social media platform TikTok (known as Douyin in China). Li Shuang was named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia in 2017. Additionally, Li Shuang Li is an American physicist who specializes in quantum computing and has worked at IBM Research. In the world of sports, Li Shuang is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Shanghai SIPG and the China women's national football team.

Genealogical research on the last name Li-shuang

The Li-Shuang surname is a Chinese family name, originating from the Han ethnic group. It belongs to the "Li" branch of surnames, which is one of the most common in China and has several variations such as Li, Ri, or Li-Ji. The exact origins of the Li-Shuang surname are not definitively known, but it's believed that the Li surname emerged around the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE - 256 BCE). During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the Li family was recorded in the "Clan Register of the Qing Dynasty" and can be traced to various counties across China, including Hebei, Henan, and Shandong. Notable individuals with the Li-Shuang surname include Li Shuang-Pin (李双濮), a prominent scholar in the Tang Dynasty, and Li Shuangqing (李双清), a renowned calligrapher in the Qing Dynasty. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about this interesting surname and its rich history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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