Yi Surname

Surname Overview

Yi is a relatively rare surname in current usage and a Han Chinese surname. It is found today in Xinyu, Jiangxi; Lichuan, Hubei; and Changzhi and Yuci, Shanxi.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Main Origins

The Yi surname mainly derives from the Yun, Jiang, and Ji surnames. One branch took its surname from the Yi state among the Dongyi; one descended from Yi Zhongnian, the maternal half-brother of Duke Xi of Qi, and took the surname from a fief; another descended from the Yi territory of the Zhou royal house and likewise took the surname from a fief.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源_夷姓族谱_姓氏夷姓的名人_夷氏家谱_百家姓

Historical Records

Documentary and Traditional Attestations

The Xingshi Kaolue records that Yi Mou, a minister of the Yellow Emperor, made arrows and was the beginning of the Yi surname. Other accounts connect the surname with Hou Yi, Yi Yi, Yi Zhongnian, and the descendants of Yi Shegu.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Commanderies and Clan Halls

Commandery Origin

The Yi clan's commandery origin is Chengyang, in the area of present-day Ju County, Shandong.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源_夷姓族谱_姓氏夷姓的名人_夷氏家谱_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Geographic Distribution

Other listed areas include Shanghai, Jiading, Wujin in Jiangsu, Huangmei in Hubei, Sichuan, and Changhua in Taiwan. Among the Miao Long surnames of western Hunan, Yi is also included as a minor surname.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Recorded historical figures include Yi Shegu, a grandee of the state of Zhu in the Spring and Autumn period; Yi Zhi, a disciple of Mohism in the Warring States period; Yi Yi of Qi; Yi Changgong of the Han dynasty; and Yi Fu, a Ming-dynasty commander of the Fuzhou Guard.

Reference: 夷姓_夷姓的来源_夷姓族谱_姓氏夷姓的名人_夷氏家谱_百家姓