Surname Overview
A Rare Surname
Yi is a rare Han Chinese surname, with a present-day population of about 1,000 and a ranking of 1,276th.
移 Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 6Origins
Derived from a Fief
The surname Yi originated from the Jiang lineage. During the Spring and Autumn period, Prince Yong of Qi held the fief of Yi, and his descendants adopted its name as their surname.
Historical Records
Genealogical Attestations
The surname Yi is included in the clan-name sections of Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi. Zhongwen Dazidian also quotes an account of its origin from Xingshi Jijiu Pian.
Migration and Distribution
Present Distribution
The surname Yi is found in Jiangshan, Zhejiang; Jiading, Shanghai; Wuqing, Tianjin; Yuci, Shanxi; Xinyu and Yongxiu, Jiangxi; and Yijia Village in Xinxing Town, Gangu County, Gansu.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Yi Liang served as administrator of Hongnong during the Eastern Han. Yi Shan, a native of Qian'an in the Ming dynasty, served as a registrar in Shuntian Prefecture during the Xuande reign.
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Surname attestation references
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