Yi Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ee /iː/
Origin: Chinese; Korean
Meaning: Chinese: beneficial; Korean: second
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Yi has its roots in Chinese, where it can be represented by various characters, each with distinct meanings. One of the most common characters for Yi (易) translates to 'easy' or 'change,' while another (义) signifies 'righteousness' or 'justice.' The name has been used in various forms throughout Chinese history, often associated with philosophical and cultural concepts.
The adoption of Yi into English and other languages typically occurs through transliteration, reflecting the phonetic sounds of the original Chinese rather than a direct translation of meaning. Historically, the name Yi has been borne by notable figures in Chinese literature and philosophy.
For instance, Yi is a character in the ancient text "I Ching" (周易), also known as the Book of Changes, which dates back to the Western Zhou period (circa 1046–771 BCE). This text has had a profound influence on Chinese thought, particularly in Confucianism and Daoism.
Additionally, the name appears in various historical records and texts, often associated with scholars and leaders, thereby reinforcing its significance in Chinese culture. Culturally, the name Yi resonates with themes of transformation and moral integrity, reflecting the values held in high regard within Chinese society.
The character's meanings have allowed it to endure as a name that embodies philosophical ideals. In some contexts, Yi can also be a diminutive or variant of other names, further enriching its cultural tapestry.
Overall, the name Yi represents a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, deeply embedded in the historical narrative of China.
Famous people named Yi
In this section, you will find notable people named Yi. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Yi who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Yi who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Yi Sun-sin is a naval commander best known for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin War.
Yi Jianlian is a professional basketball player best known for playing in the NBA and representing China in international competitions.
Yi So-yeon is an astronaut best known for being the first Korean to go to space.
Yi Yangqianxi is a singer and actor best known for being a member of the Chinese boy band TFBoys and his roles in films and television series.
Fictional characters named Yi
The following list of fictional characters named Yi is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Yi is a fictional character from the animated film Abominable. She is a young girl who embarks on an adventure to help a yeti return to his home in the Himalayas.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Yi, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Yi. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Yi was first seen in the United States in 1983.
Yi has ranked as high as #1354 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in California, and New York.
In the past 5 years the name Yi has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Yi is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Yi was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Yi (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Yi.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1983 | 6 |