Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Yi since 1980
Babies named Yi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 17 | 11 |
| 1990s | 21 | 49 |
| 2000s | 63 | 37 |
| 2010s | 36 | 129 |
| 2020s | 45 | 78 |
Meaning & origin
Yi is a unisex name of Chinese origin that first appeared in U.S. records in 1983. Its meaning is tied to Chinese characters, most commonly 义 (yì, 'justice') or 易 (yì, 'easy'), though many other characters are possible. The name saw its peak popularity in 2018, with recent ranks around 6,143 as of 2025. With an estimated 1 in 122,005 newborns receiving the name, it remains a distinctive choice. The trajectory shows stable usage, indicating a steady but modest presence in naming trends.
Yi is a common Chinese given name with multiple possible characters and meanings. It has been used in China for centuries but only entered the U.S. naming pool in 1983, likely through immigration and cultural exchange. The name's diversity in meaning reflects the richness of the Chinese writing system, where homophones can carry distinct semantic values.
Sibling names for Yi
Names that share Yi's style, for a brother or sister.
