YI
Yi
Surname: Yi
Origin: Chinese/ Korean
Meaning: The surname Yi is a common family name in China and Korea. In China, it is often spelled as "Li" in the Pinyin system. The Chinese character for Yi (李) means "plum" in Chinese, symbolising longevity and prosperity. In Korea, the Yi surname (이) is one of the most common names and is associated with nobility and royalty.
History: The roots of the Yi surname can be traced back to ancient China and Korea. In China, the Li (Yi) clan was one of the powerful aristocratic families during the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC). The Li family produced many notable figures in Chinese history, including emperors, scholars, and military leaders.
In Korea, the Yi surname can be linked to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), where the royal family bore the surname Yi. During the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), the Yi clan became more widespread and diverse, with many different branches and lineages across the country.
Famous Bearers: The Yi surname is associated with numerous prominent figures in Chinese and Korean history. In China, the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762) and the Song dynasty general Li Guang (726-766) were famous bearers of the Li surname. In Korea, the Yi dynasty rulers, including King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), who created the Korean script Hangul, were notable members of the Yi clan.
Modern Times: In contemporary times, the Yi surname remains common in both China and Korea, with many individuals continuing the legacy of their ancestors in various fields such as politics, arts, business, and academia. The surname Yi is often used by people of Chinese and Korean descent living in different parts of the world, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of the name.
There are approximately 313 people named Yi in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Yi.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Ac
- Andrew
- Andy
- Hai
- Han
- Ho
- Jason
- Jian
- Wang
- Wen
- William
- Yong
Female
- Clara
- Ha
- Jessica
- Jing
- Li
- Qian
- Tracey
- Vivian
- Xue
- Yang