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Yi

Girl / Boy name · 32 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Yi: 32 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 7 births in 2011.

Yi is a name with ancient Chinese roots, where it can mean "happy," "harmony," or "justice" depending on the character used to write it. In this context, it has been a common given name for centuries, often chosen for its positive connotations. In Scotland, the name appears in modern records, likely brought by Chinese, Taiwanese, or Korean communities (where it is also a common surname). Notable bearers include Yi Sun-sin, the revered Korean naval commander, and Yi Jianlian, the Chinese basketball star. The name shares its sound with the River Yi, a tributary of the Thames in England—though that river's name likely has Celtic origins rather than Chinese. As a short, global name, Yi offers a crisp, melodic choice that bridges Eastern and Western naming traditions.