Meaning: The surname 柴 (Chái) originates from several sources. One branch traces back to the Zhou Dynasty, specifically to Prince Gao, son of Duke Wen of Qi, who took the name 柴 as his surname. Another branch comes from the Spring and Autumn Period, where descendants of the official Gao Xi adopted the surname 柴 after the name of their fief. Additionally, some Chái families are the result of surname changes among ethnic minorities.
Sorting of Chinese Surnames:No.171 Sung version of the Hundred Surnames: NO.325 place
Chai Shaobing (柴绍炳)
A scholar and poet from Renhe, Zhejiang, during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, known for his expertise in phonology and his reclusive life dedicated to teaching and writing.
Chai Suiheng (柴随亨)
a Song Dynasty scholar from Jiangshan, known as one of the 'Four Recluses of Chai', and the author of 'Collected Works of the Four Recluses of Chai'.
Chai Yuan (柴援)
A figure from the Song Dynasty, claimed descent from the Later Zhou's Chai family, known for poetry and service under Xu Du's father Churen.
The surname '柴' (Chái) has ancient roots in Chinese nobility and is associated with the names of influential figures from the Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods. It’s a surname that carries a sense of history and lineage.