Yī Surname

Surname Overview

The surname Yi is pronounced Yī. It is currently rare, is found among the Han and Lisu peoples, and is absent from the current top 3,000 surnames in mainland China and from the Hundred Family Surnames.

Reference: 一姓_一姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Multiple Origins

Four origin branches are recorded: one derives from descendants of Cheng Tang in the Zi lineage, evolving from Yi, Yi in its ancient form, and Yi; one from the Xianbei Yifu clan; one from descendants of the Xiongnu Xi king, who received the surname Yi and later changed it to Yi; and one from the Xianbei Yinalou clan, whose descendants later simplified the character to Yi.

Reference: 一姓_一姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary Attestations

The surname Yi first appears in the Xingyuan and is recorded in the Xushi Tongzhi, in the entering-tone section. The Xing shi kaolue, citing the Xingxi, describes it as a Dai-bei surname descended from the Northern Wei Yinalou clan, while also citing Shao Si's Xingjie for the view that it arose from an error changing Yi to Yi.

Reference: 一姓_一姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Distribution and Migration

The surname was present in Pengze, Jiangxi, during the Song period. It is currently found in Luxu, Yunnan; Yongxiu and Pengze, Jiangxi; Xinzhou and Yuncheng, Shanxi; Huainan, Anhui; and also Dezhou, Shandong, Yushan Town in Kunshan, Jiangsu, and Nanyang, Henan.

Reference: 一姓_一姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

The figure Yigui, also known as Yigui, served as a Southern Campaign General, Cavalry Commandant, and Western Route Commander under Northern Wei; after his death he was posthumously granted the title Grand Commandant and the posthumous name Gong. Yixuanzong was a Ming-period native of Yanchuan, Shaanxi, and served as assistant magistrate of Lingshou County.

Reference: 一姓_一姓的来源和历史_百家姓