Yi people, formerly known as "Yi people", are named after the "Southwest Yi people" recorded in Hanshu (collectively referred to as southwest ethnic minorities). According to historical classics such as Yi Yuan and Southwest Yi Zhi, he called himself Ni (? ), the pronunciation of "Ni" in ancient Chinese is foreign, so it is often called "Yi" in Chinese records.

1956, during the period of getting rid of ethnic discrimination in the old society, Yi representatives sent people to Beijing to pay a visit to Chairman Mao. Chairman Mao understood the situation, listened to opinions and put forward suggestions. Because the name of "Yi people" is derogatory (barbarians), he changed "Yi" to "Yi", which means there are "rice" and "silk" under the house.