Yi or 易 - The Roots of Chinese Surnames: Exploring Heritage and History

The Yi (易) surname is an ancient and culturally rich family name with multiple roots in early Chinese civilization.

Across thousands of years, four distinct ancestral branches contributed to its formation, each carrying a unique historical story and cultural legacy.

Together, they form the deep and intricate heritage behind the Yi surname as it is known today.

The Earliest Origin: The Youyi Clan

The oldest and most ancient source of the Yi surname can be traced back to the era of the Yellow Emperor (about 2717 BC — 2599 BC).

According to early historical accounts, a tribal community known as the Youyi clan lived along the banks of the Yi River during this formative period of Chinese civilization.

As generations passed, the descendants of this tribe adopted Yi as their family name, preserving both the memory of their homeland and the identity of their earliest ancestors.

The Lineage of Yi Ya, Descendant of Jiang Shang

A second branch of the Yi surname originates from Yi Ya (易牙), a descendant of the legendary strategist Jiang Shang (? — about 1015 BC).

During the reign of Duke Huan of Qi (? — 643 BC), Yi Ya served as the court chef, an official responsible for preparing meals for the ruler.

Renowned for his mastery of flavor and culinary technique, Yi Ya became an important figure in early Chinese gastronomic culture.

To honor his contributions, his descendants adopted Yi as their surname, passing down both his name and his legacy.

The Lineage of Bi Wan, Descendant of King Wen of Zhou

The third origin of the Yi surname traces back to Bi Wan (毕万), a direct descendant of King Wen of Zhou (1152 BC — 1056 BC).

Bi Wan later became the forefather of the ruling lineage of the State of Wei during the Warring States Period (403 BC — 221 BC).

In subsequent generations, a branch of his descendants settled near the Yi River.

The families who lived in this region eventually adopted Yi as their surname, continuing the longstanding tradition of taking one’s homeland as a marker of family identity.

The Royal Line of the Ancient State of Zhongshan

The fourth branch of the Yi surname comes from the royal family of the State of Zhongshan (中山).

After Zhongshan was conquered, members of its royal household changed their surname to Yi.

Leaving their homeland behind, they migrated to various regions, carrying the new surname with them as a symbol of resilience and renewal.

The Enduring Legacy of the Yi Surname

With thousands of years of history behind it, the Yi surname continues to thrive across the world.

Its descendants have contributed to culture, scholarship, governance, craftsmanship, and regional development, forming an enduring lineage shaped by resilience, adaptability, and deep historical roots.

Today, the Yi surname remains a meaningful symbol of heritage and identity, connecting modern families to ancient traditions and the remarkable journeys of their ancestors.