Lee (surname)

Lee is a common surname of Chinese origin, spelled 李 in Chinese characters. It is widely used across East Asia, including China, Korea, and Vietnam, often transliterated into different forms like "Li" in Chinese and "Yi" or "Rhee" in Korea. The name traditionally means "plum" or "plum tree." Many notable individuals with the surname Lee have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, and sports. Its popularity stems from historical reasons, including prominent dynasties and cultural influence, making it one of the most prevalent family names worldwide.