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 Yuanbiao (柴元彪)
A Song Dynasty literatus from Quzhou Jiangshan, styled Bingzhong, known as Zequ Jushi, who became a Jinshi in 1268 and authored the 'Sock Line Collection'.
Chai Zhongshou (柴中守)
A Song Dynasty scholar, known as Mengtang, from Yugan, Jiangxi, and the younger brother of Chai Zhongxing, with his deeds recorded in 'Case Studies of Song and Yuan Confucianism'.
Chai Ying (柴瑛)
a Ming Dynasty scholar who served as the magistrate of Changning County.
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.