Summary

The surname Lim is of Chinese origin and is commonly found in East Asia, particularly in China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is believed to have originated from the Chinese character "林", meaning 'forest' or 'grove'. The Lim surname has a long history, dating back several centuries, and is often associated with prosperous families and influential individuals. Over time, the Lim surname has spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora.
There are
37021
Lims in the USA
Lim is the
936th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Lim

LeeKuan

Lee Kuan Yew was the first Prime Minister of Singapore and is widely regarded as the founding father of modern Singapore. Under his leadership, Singapore transformed from a developing country into a prosperous and highly developed nation.

LimBo

Lim Bo Seng was a Malaysian Chinese resistance fighter during World War II. He played a crucial role in organizing anti-Japanese guerrilla activities and was eventually captured and died while in Japanese custody.

LimGuan

Lim Guan Eng is a Malaysian politician and the former Chief Minister of Penang. He is a prominent figure in Malaysian politics and has been a strong advocate for good governance and transparency.

SamanthaLim

Samantha Lim is a professional ballet dancer known for her graceful performances and technical excellence. She has performed with renowned ballet companies around the world.

LimGoh

Lim Goh Tong was a Malaysian Chinese businessman and the founder of Genting Group, one of the largest multinational conglomerates in Southeast Asia. He is recognized for his contributions to the tourism and entertainment industry.

LimYew

Lim Yew Hock was the second Chief Minister of Singapore, serving from 1956 to 1959. He played a crucial role in the early self-governance of Singapore and contributed to the nation's political development.

SamLim

Sam Lim is a renowned fashion designer known for his avant-garde designs and innovative fashion concepts. He has showcased his collections at numerous international fashion shows.

LimKit

Lim Kit Siang is a Malaysian politician and the leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP). He has been an influential figure in Malaysian politics and has advocated for democratic reforms and social justice.

KimLim

Kim Lim is a Singaporean artist known for her abstract sculptures and installations. Her works have been exhibited in major art galleries and museums globally.

ThomasLim

Thomas Lim is a renowned chef and restaurateur known for his innovative culinary creations. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to the culinary industry.

Lim Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Lim' is of Chinese origin and is considered one of the most common Chinese surnames. It is derived from the word '林' (lín), which means 'forest' or 'woods' in Chinese. The name 'Lim' likely originated from a geographic feature or ancestral association with a forest or wooded area.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Lim' is widely distributed across countries with significant Chinese populations, such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. It is also found among overseas Chinese communities in other parts of the world.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Lim' include 'Lam' and 'Limberg'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Lim' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, especially during periods of Chinese diaspora and international trade. Chinese immigrants with the surname 'Lim' can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.