Xiaoli is an affectionate Chinese two-character feminine compound name combining 小 (xiǎo) meaning little or small, with 丽 (lì) meaning beautiful — giving the literal meaning little beauty. The character 小 is one of the most beloved diminutive prefixes in Chinese feminine naming, conveying warm affection and tender endearment toward a child. The character 丽 is the formal Chinese character for beautiful — one of the most foundational aesthetic characters appearing in compounds like 美丽 (měilì, beautiful), 秀丽 (xiùlì, elegant), and 华丽 (huálì, magnificent). The pinyin Xiaoli spelling represents the standard modern Mandarin romanization. The name has been used in Chinese feminine naming for centuries with profound emotional warmth. The compound Xiaoli became extraordinarily popular in twentieth-century Chinese feminine naming, particularly common among women born in the 1960s-1990s — making it one of the most quintessential modern Chinese feminine diminutive names. The name combines the warmth of 小 (little, affectionate) with the most direct beauty meaning 丽, creating a name that is both intimate and aesthetically clear. In Chinese family tradition, 小丽 often serves both as a formal given name and as an affectionate term of endearment. The name was made culturally significant by countless Chinese women across history including in twentieth-century film, television, and literature. In modern Chinese naming, Xiaoli has remained one of the most beloved classic Chinese feminine names. Chinese parents who choose Xiaoli are drawn to its tender affectionate quality combined with direct beauty meaning.

The root form of Xiaoli is Xiaoli (小丽) — meaning Little beauty.

Xiaoli remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.