Find out how popular the last name Zhai is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Zhai.

Zhai, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Zhai surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zhai in America

Zhai is the 29334th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zhai surname appeared 806 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Zhai.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zhai to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Zhai

The surname Zhai originates from China, with its roots traceable to ancient dynastic periods. The name is predominantly found in the northern regions of China, particularly in provinces such as Henan and Hebei. The surname has ancient connections, emerging during the Zhou Dynasty, one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Chinese history.

Derived from the Chinese character 翟, Zhai was initially a title or designation, referring to a type of long-tailed pheasant. This character was often used by scholars and nobility as a symbol of dignity and grace. Over time, it evolved into a family name, becoming a marker of lineage and heritage.

The surname Zhai appears in classical texts and historical records as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). One of the earliest documented references comes from the famous historian Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian, where Zhai Feng is mentioned. Zhai Feng was a notable military general who served under the illustrious warlord Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE).

Several ancient records and genealogies list prominent individuals with the surname Zhai, highlighting its significance in Chinese history. For instance, Zhai Rang was a prominent rebel leader during the late Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE), playing a crucial role in the events leading to the establishment of the Tang Dynasty. Born in 613 and executed in 617, Zhai Rang's efforts are documented in many historical texts.

Another notable person was Zhai Zhong, a scholar and poet active during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Zhai Zhong's works were collected in various anthologies, contributing to the vibrant literary culture of the period. His poems focused on nature, politics, and human emotion, reflecting the intellectual trends of his time.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), Zhai Kuizhi emerged as an esteemed official and scholar. Known for his innovations in administrative reforms, Zhai Kuizhi's contributions were integral to the government, earning him a place in historical records. He was particularly involved in the compilation of local histories and governance models.

Zhai Luan, a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) figure, was another significant name bearer. A military strategist and diplomat, he played key roles in several successful campaigns against northern enemies, ensuring the stability of the Ming rule. His life and accomplishments were well-documented in Ming court records.

Further references to the Zhai surname can be found in ancient village names and regional histories, indicating the name's spread and adaptation over time. For example, the village of Zhaizhuang in Henan Province owes its name to the family that originally settled there, showcasing the long-standing influence of the Zhai lineage in regional history.

Overall, the surname Zhai carries a rich legacy, deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture. Through various historical epochs, individuals bearing this surname have left their mark, from military generals and rebel leaders to poets and scholars, reflecting the diverse contributions of the Zhai family throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zhai

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Zhai.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Zhai was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Zhai has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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