Origin & Meaning of the Cai Surname
What does the last name Cai mean?
The surname Cai carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,457 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cai ranks as the #4,191 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cai come from?
The Cai surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cai trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,191 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,457 |
| Per 100K People | 2.87 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cai
According to the US Census, the Cai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,457 Americans with the Cai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.54% |
| Hispanic | 0.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 95.83% |
| Two or More Races | 1.08% |
Popularity of Cai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cai surname increased by 4,171 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cai Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cai ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cai Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Cai Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cai
- ✓ The Cai coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cai families live today
- ✓ Notable Cai bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Cai
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cai.
Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Cai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cai
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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