Origin & Meaning of the Lai Surname
What does the last name Lai mean?
The surname Lai carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 19,157 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lai ranks as the #1,873 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lai come from?
The Lai surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish 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 Lai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lai trace back to French. 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 | Lai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,873 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,157 |
| Per 100K People | 6.49 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lai
According to the US Census, the Lai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,157 Americans with the Lai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.48% |
| Black | 0.31% |
| Hispanic | 1.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 91.72% |
| Native American | 0.04% |
| Two or More Races | 3.24% |
Popularity of Lai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lai surname increased by 3,667 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Lai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lai
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