Yi: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: yee
Origin: China
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Chinese
Meaning: The name "Yi" can have various meanings depending on the language and context. In Chinese, "Yi" (易) can mean "change" or "easy," while "义" can mean "righteousness" or "justice."

The name "Yi" is a unisex name with roots deeply embedded in East Asian cultures, particularly in China and Korea. In the Chinese context, Yi (易, 怡, 义, among other characters) can have a variety of meanings depending on the character used, such as "change," "harmony," or "righteousness." Similarly, in Korean, Yi is a common surname and can also be a given name with its own set of meanings. Yi has been borne by several notable individuals in recent decades. In the realm of sports, Yi Jianlian, a prominent Chinese professional basketball player, has gained recognition internationally. In the arts, Yi is represented by talents such as Yi Zhou, a Chinese-born multimedia artist known for her innovative work in film and sculpture. The name Yi carries an elegant simplicity and adaptability, making it a versatile choice across cultural contexts. Its use in various countries underscores its universal appeal, while its rich cultural heritage provides a depth of meaning and significance.

Yi Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Yi is currently #15944 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Yi is currently #6891 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Yi is currently #8324 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Yi is currently #3595 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

Baby Names A-Z

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

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