Find out how popular the first name Tsai has been for the last 9 years (from 1997 to 2005) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tsai by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Tsai is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2005, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tsai.

The history of the first name Tsai

The name Tsai originates from the Mandarin Chinese language and has its roots in ancient Chinese culture. It is a transliteration of the Chinese character "蔡" (cài), which has been in use since the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), one of the earliest dynasties in Chinese history.

This character is believed to have derived from an ancient word referring to a type of plant or vegetation, possibly a variety of cabbages or mustard greens. Over time, it evolved into a surname and later became a given name as well.

In ancient Chinese texts, the name Tsai can be found in historical records and literature dating back to the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). One notable historical figure bearing this name was Tsai Lun, a eunuch scholar and inventor credited with the development of paper during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE).

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), a renowned Taoist priest and alchemist named Tsai Xingze gained prominence for his contributions to the study of Taoism and his pursuit of immortality through the practice of alchemy.

In the 11th century, Tsai Xiang, a well-respected scholar and writer, authored several influential works on history and literature, including the "Song Shi" (History of the Song Dynasty).

In more recent times, Tsai Ing-wen, born in 1956, became the first female President of Taiwan in 2016, serving until 2020. She is a prominent figure in Taiwanese politics and a symbol of democratic progress in the country.

Another noteworthy individual with the name Tsai is Tsai Ming-liang, a celebrated Taiwanese filmmaker born in 1957. He is known for his slow-paced, minimalist style and has received numerous international awards for his films, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

While these examples showcase the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals bearing the name Tsai, it is important to note that the name's origins and historical significance are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and language.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tsai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tsai, please contact us.

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