What's the relationship between foreign Li surname and China Li surname? And what is the origin of Li abroad?

Yes, some immigrants from Chinese mainland may be surnamed Li at first. But that doesn't mean all the Li are from China.

For example, during the American Civil War, the military commander representing the South was named General Robert Lee, who had nothing to do with China. General Li's historical ancestor is Li Canming I, who was one of the British who colonized Virginia in the17th century.

In fact, Li's surname comes from Lea, which in Middle English refers to people who live near the forest and cut down trees. However, because its pronunciation is very close to the Chinese character Li. Therefore, early Asian immigrants in Europe and America will choose this word instead of the previous surname Li.

Extended data:

Immigrants from, their ancestor is the tomb of the famous general Li (Li Ling). Some defeated Huns moved to Europe and settled in Europe. These people are good soldiers. After General Robert Lee surrendered in the American Civil War, he married the granddaughter of George Washington, who was also a famous General Lee in American history.

Teacher Li's mausoleum (Liling) was sent by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty) to attack the Xiongnu, but it failed and was captured by the Xiongnu. The Huns respected his military talents and advised him to surrender. Although he is considering whether to work for the Huns, it is rumored that after his surrender, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (Han Ting ordered the killing of every family member of Li Ling).

Sima Qian, a famous historian, said a few words in front of the emperor, trying to clarify the facts, saying that Teacher Li's tomb did not surrender, which made Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty) very angry. Sima Qian was convicted of corruption (corruption, that is, imprisonment). Mr. Sima Qian, the victim of persecution of freedom of speech, wrote the first official history (Historical Records).

Baidu Encyclopedia-Li surname