The first name Yi

In 2025, 14 boys born in the United States were named Yi, the 6,435th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2018, when 25 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Wang Yi
  Chinese diplomat leader, Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office sin, born 1953
• Sima Yi
  Chinese general, politician and regent (179-251)
• Cheng Yi
  Chinese philosopher (1033–1107)
• Tang Yi
  Chinese swimmer (1993-)
• Huang Yi
  Chinese actress and musician, born 1979
• Chen Yi
  Chinese politician, Kuomintang (1883-1950)
• Chen Yi
  Chinese-American composer and violinist, born 1953
• Zhang Yi
  Chinese prime minister, -400–-308
• Yi
  Culture hero in Chinese mythology
• Wu Yi (Three Kingdoms)
  Chinese general of Shu Han state (died 237)
• Xian Yi Fang
  French-Chinese table tennis player, born 1977
• Emperor Xuánzong of Tang
  Emperor of Tang China from 846 to 859 AD

How popular is the name Yi?

In 2025, 4 boys born in England and Wales were named Yi, ranking 4,275th. Its peak was 2010, with 21 births.

Is Yi a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 486 US babies named Yi since 1880, 37% were girls and 63% boys.

When was Yi most popular?

2018 in the United States, when 25 babies were named Yi, its highest rank at 4,219th.

Is Yi also a surname?

Yes. Yi is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.