A surname meaning 'change', from the ancient state of Yi.
What the character means
Symbolizes adaptability and approachable nature.
Why it scores this way
Easy to say96
Reads the way it looks for an English speaker — no sounds English doesn't have.
Recognised in China73
Common enough that most Chinese speakers recognise it (roughly the top 100).
Easy to write80
8 strokes — a little practice and it flows.
People who carried this name
Yi Zhongtian — Scholar and TV host (b.1947), famous for his popular lectures on the Three Kingdoms.
Yi Ya — A renowned chef of Duke Huan of Qi in the Spring and Autumn period, famous for culinary skill yet infamous for cooking his son to please the duke.
Yi Shunding — Late Qing and early Republican poet known for his quick wit and prolific output, often paired with contemporary poet Fan Zengxiang.