Origin & Meaning of the Yi Surname
What does the last name Yi mean?
The surname Yi carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,934 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yi ranks as the #2,011 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Yi come from?
The Yi surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Yi name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Yi trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Yi |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,011 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,934 |
| Per 100K People | 6.08 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Yi
According to the US Census, the Yi surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,934 Americans with the Yi last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.41% |
| Black | 0.18% |
| Hispanic | 1.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.45% |
| Native American | 0.03% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Yi Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yi surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Yi surname increased by 2,680 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Yi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yi
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