Ziyi is a Chinese two-character feminine compound name combining 子 (zǐ) meaning child (in feminine names, often translated as daughter/young lady) or master (an honorific for sages), with 怡 (yí) meaning joyful, harmonious, or pleasant — giving the literal meaning child joyful or daughter of joy. The character 子 has supreme cultural significance — used as an honorific for the greatest Chinese teachers (Confucius, Laozi, Mencius). In feminine names, 子 often refers to a young lady or daughter. The character 怡 specifically conveys harmonious happiness — appearing in classical compounds like 心旷神怡 (xīnkuàng shényí, heart open and spirit joyful). The pinyin Ziyi spelling represents the standard modern Mandarin romanization. The name has been used in Chinese feminine naming for centuries with profound classical heritage. The name was made supremely internationally famous by Zhang Ziyi (章子怡, born 1979), the celebrated Chinese actress whose performances in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), Hero (2002), House of Flying Daggers (2004), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), and 2046 (2004) established her as one of the most internationally recognized Chinese actresses of her generation — making Ziyi one of the most internationally famous Chinese feminine names of the early twenty-first century. In modern Chinese naming, Ziyi has been one of the most fashionable Chinese feminine compound names since the 2000s. Chinese parents who choose Ziyi are drawn to its profound supreme cultural significance through Zhang Ziyi, beautiful meaning combining honored daughter and harmonious joy.

The root form of Ziyi is Ziyi (子怡) — meaning Child joyful, daughter of joy.

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