Li Gao
It is not known when Li Xin was born, or whether his mother Lady Yin was his father Li Gao's wife or concubine. He was Li Gao's second son, and so after Li Gao declared independence from Northern Liang and founded Western Liang in 400, it was not he, but his older brother Li Tan (), who was created heir apparent. The first historical reference to him was in 404, when Li Tan died, and Li Gao created him heir apparent to replace Li Tan.