lai

Lai is a name that can refer to several different things, most commonly a surname of Chinese origin, but also a given name and a place name in various regions. As a surname, Lai is widely found among Chinese communities and is especially common in Cantonese-speaking areas and among the Chinese diaspora. The spelling Lai in English typically represents multiple Chinese characters, and the pronunciation and meaning vary with the character and dialect.

In addition to its use as a surname, Lai can appear as a given name or part of a given name in some cultures, particularly within Chinese-speaking communities where multiple characters may be used together to form a personal name. The exact meaning of Lai as a given name depends on the characters chosen by the parents.

Lai also occurs as a toponym in different countries, used for towns, villages, or geographic features. The origins and significance of these place names differ by language and local history.

In cultural and literary contexts, Lai is often encountered as a surname for fictional characters set in East Asian settings, reflecting its real-world usage in Chinese communities. Because Lai can correspond to several different characters and linguistic traditions, its interpretation—whether as a surname, a given name, or a place name—depends on the specific cultural and historical background involved.