Surname Overview
The surname Yi is pronounced Yì, is currently rare, and is a Han Chinese surname.
Yì Surname
Surname profileYì / I
Origins
The recorded origins include adoption from the surname Yi (奕), and descent from the Yuan-dynasty figure Yili Zhenban, whose descendants adopted Yi (亦) as their surname.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The surname Yi is first recorded in the Ming-dynasty work Wanshi Tongpu; it is also included in Xu Tongzhi: Shizu Lue under the entering-tone section.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The surname Yi is found in Jiaojiang in Zhejiang, Xincai in Henan, Datong, Changzhi, Linfen, and Yuncheng in Shanxi, as well as Huainan in Anhui, Wulian, Yishui, and Xintai in Shandong, Putuo in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Taiwan, and Beijing.
Notable People
Historical Figures
In the Song dynasty, Yi Shangjie was a Kaixi-period presented scholar. In the Ming dynasty, Yi Zhun, Yi Kongzhao, and Yi Wenchang served respectively as an official of Lancang Guard in Yunnan, a military vice commander in Jiangxi, and prefect of Zhanyi.
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