Find out how popular the first name Yi has been for the last 44 years (from 1980 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yi by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Yi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 63% of people named Yi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Yi.

The history of the first name Yi

Yi is a given name of Chinese origin that dates back to ancient times. It is a monosyllabic name that has been used in various forms and spellings throughout Chinese history.

The name Yi is derived from the Chinese character "义" (yì), which means "justice," "righteousness," or "moral integrity." This character has a long and rich history in Chinese culture, appearing in numerous philosophical and religious texts.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yi can be found in the Classic of Poetry (Shijing), one of the oldest existing collections of Chinese poetry dating back to the 11th century BCE. In this ancient text, Yi is mentioned as the name of a virtuous and upright individual.

Throughout Chinese history, the name Yi has been associated with various prominent figures. One notable example is Yi Yin (circa 1600 BCE), a renowned minister and counselor during the Shang Dynasty. He is revered for his wisdom, integrity, and contributions to the development of Chinese statecraft.

Another famous bearer of the name Yi is Yi Zhuang (circa 659-619 BCE), a philosopher and political thinker during the Spring and Autumn period. He is known for his influential teachings on moral cultivation and governance.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Yi Xing (683-727 CE) was a renowned Buddhist monk, mathematician, and astronomer. He made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and calendar reform.

In the realm of literature, Yi Baek (1366-1398) was a prominent Korean scholar and writer during the Goryeo Dynasty. He is best known for his collection of essays and poems, which reflect on the human condition and the pursuit of virtue.

Lastly, Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a renowned Korean naval commander and military strategist during the Joseon Dynasty. He is celebrated for his innovative military tactics and his decisive victories against Japanese invaders during the Imjin War.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Yi, highlighting its cultural significance and association with virtues such as righteousness, wisdom, and moral integrity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Yi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yi, please contact us.

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