The Bai Li Family Name#

Family Name: Bai Li, Pronunciation: bǎi lǐ

Areas of Distribution for the Bai Li Family Name**#

Xincai County (corresponding to the area around present-day Xincai County, Henan Province)
Jingzhao County (corresponding to the area east of present-day Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, up to Huaxian County)

Origin of the Bai Li Family Name**#

The Bai Li family name originates from the Ji clan and dates back to the Zhou Dynasty. It was derived from the title of a high-ranking official in the state of Qin, named Bai Li Xun. During the early Western Zhou period, King Wu of Zhou granted the descendants of Yu Zhong, the second son of Gu Gong, the founder of the Zhou Dynasty, the territory of Yu (present-day Pinglu, Shanxi Province), granting them the title of "Yu Hou" (Lord of Yu). In the Spring and Autumn period, one of Yu Zhong's descendants, Bai Li Xun, traveled around various states. He was once dismissed from his post in the state of Qi and later also failed to gain recognition in the Zhou royal court. He returned to Yu, where he served as a high-ranking official to assist the Lord of Yu. Since his residence was in the Bai Li district of Yu (present-day Pinglu, Shanxi Province), he was named "Bai Li Xun." His alternative names included Li, Jing Bai, Zi Ming, and he was also known as Bai Li Zi.

Founder of the Family Name

Bai Li Xun is considered the founder of the Bai Li family name. The family name was derived from his ancestral name. King Wu of Zhou appointed him as the Lord of Yu. During the Spring and Autumn period, one of his descendants, named Bai Li Xun, came from a poor background and traveled through various states. After being dismissed in Qi and Zhou, he returned to Yu, where he served as an official. When Yu was conquered by Jin, Bai Li Xun became a slave. However, when Duke Mu of Qin sought a marriage alliance with Jin, Bai Li Xun was sent to Qin as part of the dowry. Unable to bear this humiliation, he fled to Chu. There, he continued to be a slave until Duke Mu of Qin discovered his talents and redeemed him with five sheep. After discussing his capabilities, Duke Mu appointed him as a high-ranking official. Bai Li Xun greatly contributed to the prosperity of Qin, making it one of the dominant powers of the time. In honor of his virtues, people adopted the place of his birth, Yu (Bai Li), as their family name. According to the "Tongzhi Shizhu Lue," "The descendants of Bai Li Xun, who were originally from the Yu people and lived in Bai Li, took this place as their surname."

Migration and Distribution

The Bai Li family name is an ancient Han Chinese surname. Although it does not rank among the top 300 most common surnames in mainland China, it is not listed in the "Hundred Family Names" in Taiwan Province. In the Song Dynasty edition of the "Hundred Family Names," it is ranked 467th. The most prominent branches of the Bai Li family originated from Xincai County and Jingzhao County. The Bai Li family name has not made it into the top 100 most common surnames in either mainland China or Taiwan.

Notable Figures with the Bai Li Surname

• Bai Li Xun: A high-ranking official in the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period. Also known as Bai Li Zi or Bai Li, with the given names Xun, Li, and the alternative names Jing Bai and Zi Ming.
• Bai Li Shi: A native of Yu (present-day Pinglu County, Shanxi Province) during the Spring and Autumn period. He was the son of Bai Li Xun and a prominent general under Duke Mu of Qin.