Dai
Dài
Dai (戴) means 'to wear' or 'to support' in Chinese. It symbolizes bearing responsibility, carrying honor, and upholding traditions. The surname suggests dignity, respectability, and the weight of heritage.
Population Ranking
#55
Estimated Under 1 million people
Geographic Distribution
Henan, Jiangsu, Hebei
Five Element Attribute
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Herkunft & Geschichte
The Dai surname originated from the ancient state of Dai during the Zhou Dynasty. Some descendants of the Song nobility adopted Dai as their surname, while others came from official titles or place names.
Surname Evolution
The Dai surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Dai clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Dai surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Jinan, Shandong. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Jinan Commandery (济南郡) — Modern-day Jinan, Shandong Province
Hall Title
孝思堂 (Dai Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Dai Clan Ancestral Hall in Jinan — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Dai family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
积善传家，诗礼继世 — Accumulating goodness passes through the family; poetry and ritual continue.
Berühmte Personen mit Nachnamen Dai
Dai Zhen (戴震) — Qing Dynasty philosopher and scholar
Dai Wangshu (戴望舒) — Modern Chinese poet
Dai Jitao (戴季陶) — Early 20th century politician and writer