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Zhai Family History

Zhai Surname Meaning

Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 翟 originally denoting ‘pheasants’; also used to refer to certain minority ethnic groups in northern China. The surname can be traced back to the placename Zhai (翟 pronounced Di in ancient Chinese):

(i) an ancient state located in Shanxi province. After it was annexed by the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) the name of the state was adopted as a surname.

(ii) a fief (located in Henan province) granted to the second son of King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC).

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


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Census Records

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Passenger Lists

There are 642 immigration records available for the last name Zhai. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

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Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Zhai. For the veterans among your Zhai ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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What is the average Zhai lifespan?

Between 1995 and 2001, in the United States, Zhai life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1995, and highest in 2001. The average life expectancy for Zhai in 1995 was 27, and 74 in 2001.

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