Save Type Surname (from given name) Usage Chinese Scripts 廉(Chinese) Pronounced Pron. /ljɛn˧˥/ [key·simplify] Meaning & History From Chinese 廉 (lián), originating from the Xiong family of Chu, as well as the names of Buddhist Turpan Uyghurs. It is also said to come from the name of Lian the Great (大廉), a descendant of the Yellow Emperor.