Yifei is a Chinese two-character feminine compound name combining 一 (yī) meaning one, singular, or first, with 菲 (fēi) meaning fragrant grass or lush vegetation — giving the literal meaning singular fragrant grass or uniquely lush. The compound combines the strong meaning of being singular/unique with the beautiful natural imagery of fragrant lush growth. The character 一 has profound philosophical significance in Chinese tradition — appearing in foundational Daoist concepts and used in countless compounds to emphasize singularity or unity. The character 菲 has beautiful classical Chinese poetic heritage celebrating fragrant springtime vegetation. The pinyin Yifei spelling represents the standard modern Mandarin romanization. The name was made supremely internationally famous by Liu Yifei (刘亦菲, born 1987), the celebrated Chinese-American actress who played the title role in Disneys live-action Mulan (2020) — bringing her into global recognition. Liu Yifei had already been a major Chinese star for two decades before Mulan, with performances in the popular wuxia television dramas The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006) and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (2003) earning her the nickname "Fairy Sister" (神仙姐姐 Shénxiān Jiějie). Through her global fame, Yifei became one of the most internationally recognized Chinese feminine names of the early twenty-first century. In modern Chinese naming, Yifei has been one of the most fashionable Chinese feminine compound names since the 2000s. Chinese parents who choose Yifei are drawn to its profound supreme cultural significance through Liu Yifei.

The root form of Yifei is Yifei (一菲) — meaning Singular fragrant grass.

Yifei remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.