Yi

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE /ˈi/Medium

Meaning: From Chinese — depending on the character, variously 'righteousness; justice', 'harmony; happiness', and 'one; unity'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Righteousness; harmony; one: Yi is Chinese, set by the character. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'EE').

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Origin LowChinese

MeaningFrom Chinese — depending on the character, variously 'righteousness; justice', 'harmony; happiness', and 'one; unity'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#7207 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births12 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 289

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Yi comes from Chinese — and its meaning depends on the character: variously 'righteousness; justice', 'harmony; happiness', and 'one; unity' (routes layered by design, which we note). A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; said 'EE').

In the U.S. it appears in Chinese families. Rare, righteousness-and-harmony at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Yi can mean 'righteousness; justice', 'harmony; happiness', or 'one; unity' in Chinese — the meaning depends on the character written — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'EE').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Yi — meaning by character; unisex

Variations

YeeYih

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yi…

Jun— a fellow short Chinese boys' name

Jian— another short Chinese boys' name

Tai— shares Yi's Chinese roots

Chi— shares the -i ending

Ren— another Chinese name

Explore names like Yi

By themeuncertain unisex chinese harmony justice

By meaningJoy Snow / Winter

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yi mean?

Yi is Chinese — depending on the character, 'righteousness', 'harmony', or 'one'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Yi?

It's said EE /ˈi/ — one syllable.

Is Yi a boy or girl name?

Yi is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Yi?

Yi is a rare name in the U.S.