Karwai

Karwai is a surname of Chinese origin. It is a romanization of the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese character 啟 (Kai). The character 啟 has various meanings, including "to open," "to begin," or "to enlighten." As a surname, Karwai is relatively uncommon but can be found among people of Cantonese descent.

The surname Karwai is most prevalent in regions with a significant Cantonese-speaking population, such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong province in China. It can also be found in overseas Chinese communities around the world, particularly in countries with historical migration patterns from these areas. Variations in romanization may occur due to different transliteration systems or regional pronunciation differences. For instance, similar surnames might be spelled Kai or Kai in Mandarin-based romanizations.

Information regarding the historical origins or specific notable figures associated with the Karwai surname is not widely documented in general public records. Like many surnames, its history is likely tied to ancestral lineages and regional settlement patterns. The practice of adopting and passing down surnames has been a long-standing tradition in Chinese culture, serving as a marker of family identity.