Zai Surname

Surname Overview

Zai, written 載 in traditional Chinese and pronounced zài, is a relatively rare Han Chinese surname. It appears in the surname sections of Zheng Tongzhi and Xu Tongzhi.

Reference: 载姓_载姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Han Lineage Traditions

Three traditions describe the Han origins of the Zai surname: it may be a corrupted form of Dai; it may derive from Zaizhong or the state of Zai in the Spring and Autumn period, taking the state name as a surname; or it may descend from Dan Jizai, the seventeenth son of King Wen of Zhou, taking his personal name as the surname and belonging to the Ji lineage.

Reference: 载姓_载姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Ethnic Minority Branches

Zai is also found among the Wa and Yi peoples. The Wa branch traditionally lived in Mazhai, Ximeng, Yunnan, was also written Jie, and originated from the Yamu clan.

Reference: 载姓_载姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

Geographic Distribution

The Zai surname is found in Wusheng and Chengdu in Sichuan; Qidong and Wujin in Jiangsu; Shanghai; Jiangshan and Yuyao in Zhejiang; Jinxian in Shanxi; Taiwan and Hong Kong; as well as Beijing, Taiyuan, Linfen, Xinzhou, Yiyang, Yifeng, and Wuchuan.

Reference: 载姓_载姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Notable People

Historical Figures

Recorded bearers of the surname include Zai Dai of the Han dynasty, Zai Yongming of the Song dynasty, Zai Junyong of Wuyi in the Ming dynasty, and Zai Dachang of the Qing dynasty. Zai Junyong took the punishment imposed on his father, Zai Fu, who had been sentenced to death after a fire while handling taxation during the Hongwu period; Junyong's wife remained chaste and received official commendation.

Reference: 载姓_载姓的来源和历史_百家姓