There are two main origins of the last name Yi. 1) Ancient King Yao Di was raised by his foster parent Yi HouZhang, and his descendents are known as the Yis. 2) The renowned judge of Shang Dynasty Yi Yin resided at Yi Chuan (vicinity of Yi River of Henan). His descendents are also known as the Yis. Yi Yin helped Shang Tang to eliminate the Xia Dynasty and he served five kings of the Shang Dynasty lasted four generations. His son was the prime minister of Shang Tai Wu.
