Surname Overview
A Rare Surname
Yi, written 藝 in traditional Chinese and pronounced yì, is a rare surname with fewer than one thousand bearers and a latest ranking of 1,488.
艺 Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 11Origins
Origin in the Ji Clan
The Yi surname originated from the Ji clan and is traced to the descendants of Zhonghuan, the second son of the Duke of Zhou, who was King Wu of Zhou's younger brother.
Historical Records
The Yi surname is included in the Shizulüe section of Zheng Tongzhi, while Xingshi Kaolüe identifies its bearers as descendants of Zhonghuan, the Duke of Zhou's second son.
Migration and Distribution
Modern Distribution
The Yi surname is currently found in Beijing, Wuchuan in Guangdong, Chengdu in Sichuan, and other places.
Notable People
Yi Yuan of the Yuan Dynasty
Yi Yuan, a native of Baodi during the Yuan dynasty, was skilled in sculpture and painting.
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