Origin & Meaning of the Tsai Surname
What does the last name Tsai mean?
The surname Tsai 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 10,968 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tsai ranks as the #3,291 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tsai come from?
The Tsai 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 Tsai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tsai 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 | Tsai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,291 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,968 |
| Per 100K People | 3.72 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tsai
According to the US Census, the Tsai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,968 Americans with the Tsai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 1.75% |
| Hispanic | 0.67% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 94.57% |
| Two or More Races | 2.86% |
Popularity of Tsai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tsai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tsai surname increased by 1,636 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tsai Ancestry
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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 Tsai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tsai
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