Surname Overview
The surname Yi is pronounced yí. It is now uncommon and has a small population; the Han Chinese Yi surname is described as an ancient Chinese surname.
Yi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 69Yi / Yi
Origins
Main Origins
Yi is associated with the Ji surname, the Zi surname, enfeoffment in Yi, and Manchu surname changes. One branch is said to descend from a son of King Ping of Eastern Zhou, who was given the surname from the king's personal name.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The Yi surname is broadly distributed but not numerous. It is found in Wuqing in Tianjin, Qingyuan in Liaoning, Huolu in Hebei, Taiyuan in Shanxi, Hancheng in Shaanxi, Lushi in Henan, Lengshuijiang in Hunan, Yifeng in Jiangxi, and Maguan in Yunnan, as well as Gansu, Hebei, and the Northeast.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Recorded figures of the Yi surname include Yi Guike of the Yuan dynasty; Yi Guan, Yi Shun, and Yi Bing of the Ming dynasty; Yi Delin and Yi Dekai of the Qing dynasty; and Yi Qiu Taizi, traditionally associated with the Eastern Zhou.
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