Origin of the Yi Surname
The Yi surname is of Asian origin (Asian). In the 2010 U.S. Census it ranked #2,011 with 17,934 Americans (6.08 per 100K people).
What the name meant to the first families who bore it — and how Yi traveled across regions and centuries — is written out in the full Heritage Report.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Yi |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Full etymology in the Heritage Report |
| 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
Among 17,934 Americans named Yi, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander (94.45%).
The full multi-group chart (every percentage, print-ready) is inside the Heritage Report — not repeated here.
Popularity of Yi Over Time
Between the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census, the national rank of Yi moved up. Exact counts for both years — print-ready — are in the Heritage Report.
Where did the Yi family really come from?
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The Complete Story of the Yi Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Yi Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Yi
- ✓ The Yi coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Yi families live today
- ✓ Notable Yi bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Get one Yi fact most families never hear by email — a teaser, not the full etymology (that’s in the report).
Similar Surnames to Yi
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Yi.
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
Top Surnames Starting with Y
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Y, ranked by population.
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