dài Surname

Surname Overview

A Rare Han Chinese Surname

Dai is a relatively rare surname currently used among Han Chinese and is included in the New Thousand Family Surnames.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Ink-Maker Lineage

One account derives the surname from ink making: among the descendants of Li Tinggui, an ink official of Southern Tang, some restored the surname Xi, while others adopted Daimo as a surname and became the Dai clan.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Daizhao Office Lineage

Another account derives the surname from the Tang court title Daizhao. After Emperor Zhongzong returned to the throne, some descendants of women who held that title adopted their ancestress's official designation as the surname Daizhao, later shortened to Dai.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Present-Day Distribution

The Dai surname is found in Weichang, Hebei; Xinzhou, Shanxi; Guichi, Anhui; Xintai, Shandong; Huangmei, Hubei; Pingxiang, Jiangxi; Hanyuan, Sichuan; Beijing; and other places.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

No Historical Figures Identified

Although the Dai surname is described as having appeared in the Northern Song period, no historical bearer recorded in historical works is identified.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Unsettled Origin

The New Thousand Family Surnames includes Dai but records its origin as unknown; the ink-maker and Daizhao accounts therefore should not be treated as settled conclusions.

Reference: 黛姓_黛姓的来源和历史_百家姓