Cai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Cai originates from Chinese culture, meaning excellence or surpassing. It has evolved in various forms over time, including Tsai and Chai. The name is associated with intelligence and achievement in modern perceptions, while it has historical significance due to notable figures such as Cai Lun. There is no biblical relevance to the name.
The name Cai is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Cai has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Cai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8930th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3606th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1961st out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 25632nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9464th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5193rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Cai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Cai"
Pronunciation
/kaɪ/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name Cai can be derived from various Chinese characters, including 蔡, which is a surname and can mean 'to surpass' or 'to be excellent'.
Meaning
excellence, surpassing
Language Evolution
Cai (Chinese: 蔡), Tsai (transliteration in Wade-Giles), Chai (alternative spelling)
Historical Usage
The name Cai has been used in various forms in Chinese culture for centuries, gaining popularity as both a surname and given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Tsai, Chai, Caius
Modern Popularity & Image
Cai is commonly perceived as a traditional Chinese name, often associated with intelligence and achievement.
Famous People
Cai Lun, the inventor of paper, Cai Guo-Qiang, a contemporary Chinese artist
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Cai"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Cai"
"Cai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8930th of 16616 | 44 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3606th of 24088 | 418 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1961st of 23106 | 919 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 25632nd of 27321 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9464th of 35406 | 172 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5193rd of 30306 | 303 |
Regional Popularity of "Cai" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
- |
46.37% 3391st/7313 |
57.18% 4267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.00% 2231st/3984 |
56.54% 2537th/4487 |
23.56% 1607th/6822 |
35.13% 2205th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Cai" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
63.52% 4333rd/6822 |
87.41% 5486th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Cai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Cai" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.