Lee Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Lee come from? What does the surname Lee mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Lee and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Lie, Lay, Laye, Layman, Lea, Lees, Leigh, Ley, Lye, Saelee
Surname Lee Origin: What does the last name Lee mean?
The surname Lee has a rich history dating back to the early 12th century in the United Kingdom. Derived from Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and English origins, the name has evolved over time and is now commonly found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Ireland, and Germany. It has become a widely spread surname with a global presence.
Lee Last Name History: Where did the last name Lee come from?
Origin of Lee Surname: Where does the last name Lee originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the surname Lee was first recorded in the United Kingdom in the early 12th century. Please remember that this information is based on the precise spelling of "Lee" in the YourRoots database and may not include other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Lee: How has the Lee surname evolved over time?
The YourRoots data indicates that the "Lee" surname was primarily connected with the United Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century. By the 16th century, the frequency of the surname Lee began to increase significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in the number of records bearing the surname Lee.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Lee surname today?
Today, the surname Lee is most prominently found in the United States, according to the volume of records in the YourRoots database. However, it appears in numerous countries around the world, underlining its global spread. These countries include, but are not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Ireland, and Germany.
Explore Lee last name heritage and Lee surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Lee Surame?
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee (Lee Jun-fan; November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973) was a legendary martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. Known for his iconic roles in martial arts films like "Enter the Dragon," he revolutionized the genre and popularized Chinese martial arts worldwide. His philosophy and influence continue to impact modern combat sports and popular culture.
Stan Lee
Stanley Martin Lieber (Dec 28, 1922 - Nov 12, 2018) was an iconic American comic book writer, editor, and producer. He co-created beloved characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men at Marvel Comics. His influence on the industry and pop culture is unmatched.
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee (Mar 20, 1957 - ) is an American film director, producer, actor, and author. Known for addressing race relations and social issues in his work, he has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award. His films, such as "Do the Right Thing" and "BlacKkKlansman," have left a lasting impact on cinema.
Ben Lee
Benjamin Michael Lee (Sep 11, 1978 - ) is an Australian musician and actor known for his solo career and time with the band Noise Addict. He has released eleven solo studio albums and appeared in the film "The Rage in Placid Lake." Lee has won multiple ARIA Awards for his music.
Amy Lee
Amy Lynn Lee (born Dec 13, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for co-founding the rock band Evanescence. She is a classically trained pianist and has received numerous awards for her music, including Best Vocalist at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
Lee has also composed music for various films and collaborated with artists like Korn and Bring Me the Horizon. She is known for her mezzo-soprano vocal range and has been recognized for her philanthropic work with epilepsy awareness foundations.
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