Surname Overview
Overview
The Nai surname is a multiethnic Chinese surname. It is currently uncommon and is mainly distributed in Zhejiang, Hunan, Taiwan, and Ningxia.
Nǎi Surname
Population reference (not a current census): 55Nǎi / Nai
Origins
Three origin traditions are given for the Nai surname: descendants of Nayan, a great-grandson of Muqali in the Yuan dynasty, adopted Nai; descendants of the Western Xia compound surnames Nailing, Nailai, and Naie changed to the single surname Nai; and Nai was simplified from Nai written as 迺 or 廼.
Historical Records
Documentary Attestations
The Nai surname is recorded in the Zhongwen Da Zidian, and the Xing Shi Cidian cites the Xingpu as also recording it. It is also said to be the same as 迺.
Migration and Distribution
Distribution
The Nai surname is found today in Wuchuan in Guangdong, Xiamen in Fujian, Tianlin in Guangxi, Xiangtan in Hunan, Laohekou in Hubei, Datong and Changzhi in Shanxi, and Burqin in Xinjiang. It is also found in Long'an, Qinzhou, Mashan, and Pingguo in Guangxi; Hengyang in Hunan; Wujin in Jiangsu; Longhua in Hebei; Xingguo in Jiangxi; Hutubi in Xinjiang; Taiwan; and Beijing.
Notable People
Historical Figures
Historical figures include Nai Ling Sicong, a Western Xia palace grand commandant, and Nai Mutai, a Sandian native of the Yuan dynasty. The modern figure listed is Nai Huifang, a Taiwanese triple-jump athlete.
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