Surname Doucai - Meaning and Origin
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Doucai: What does the surname Doucai mean?
The last name Doucai is Chinese in origin and is derived from the words "Dou cai," which mean "head of colors" or "two riches." This surname is broadly associated with the art of color glaze pottery, and those who bear this name often take great pride in its distinct meaning.
Unlike many Chinese surnames, Doucai is quite popular and can be found in all of the main provinces throughout the eastern parts of the mainland. It is believed that the Dou family dates back to the Zhou and Shang Dynasties and is part of the Han Chinese ethnic group.
Throughout history and into the present, the Doucai family has made enormous contributions in the world of pottery. Great potters of this era bear the family name Doucai. From delicate works of fine porcelain to the bold and brilliant glazed ceramics, these artisans have skillfully crafted many beautiful creations that are highly sought after by admirers of Chinese art and culture.
The Doucai name carries with it a proud history and a respected tradition of craftsmanship, artistry and beauty that is sure to be enjoyed for many more generations to come. In modern times, those who bear the name Doucai often take great pride in its meaning and legacy as their ancestors continue to make contributions to the wonderful world of pottery.
Order DNA origin analysisDoucai: Where does the name Doucai come from?
The last name Doucai is primarily found in China today. It is a relatively rare name, with the 2020 Chinese population census finding that only about 10,000 people have the last name.
The name Doucai, which means “beautifully coloured” in Chinese, is believed to have originated in the northern province of Shanxi during the Tang Dynasty. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other parts of China, including Beijing, Yunnan and Guangdong.
Doucai is also found in other parts of the world, although it is much less common outside of China. According to the United States Social Security Administration, only 1,162 people living in the United States have the last name. In 2003, only 18 people living in France were listed as having the last name, and in 2021, only four people living in the United Kingdom had the last name Doucai.
The last name Doucai is becoming increasingly popular in China today, as more and more people are using it and passing it down through generations. It is a prominent symbol of the rich cultural heritage found in the region and is a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional values and customs.
Variations of the surname Doucai
Doucai, pronounced DO-SAY, is a French surname originating from a nickname. It is believed to derive from the French word douc, meaning “gentle” or “mild.” Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include D'Oucay, Ducai, Douce, Ducey, Ducay, Dousey, Douzy, Doucey, and Duchey.
Doucai was likely borne by several generations of French Huguenot families who settled in England, Scotland, and Ireland during the 15th century. By the 16th century, Doucai had also appeared in Germany and the Netherlands, with some families immigrating as far as North America.
In England, variations such as Ducai and Dousey were found in the 1881 census. The Dousey spelling was predominant in Yorkshire and Dereham, Norfolk, while Ducai was far more common in East London.
In Scotland, Doucai and Doucey were the most widely found variants. The Doucey naming was particularly popular in North East Scotland, while Doucai was more common in Ayrshire.
Records in the United States reveal that Doucai and its variations had also been adopted by immigrants from France, Germany, and Ireland. Spelling variations such as Douce and Duchey were found in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
While the Doucai surname is relatively rare today, people with this surname can still be found in Europe and North America.
Famous people with the name Doucai
- Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322): Formerly Zhao Zhongzhou, he was a Chinese scholar-official and artist during the late Song dynasty and early Yuan dynasty periods. He is widely regarded as an important master of Chinese landscape painting.
- Huang Binhong (1864-1955): He was a leading Chinese scholar, painter, seal-carver, calligrapher, collector and art critic of the late Qing and early Republican China.
- Zhao Zhiqian (1829-1884): He was a Chinese painter and calligrapher during the Qing dynasty who is considered one of China's greatest modern painters.
- Zhang Daqian (1899-1983): He was a modern Chinese painter and is considered by some to be the most important Chinese artist of the twentieth century.
- Dong Qichang (1555–1636): He was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, scholar, and writer during the later period of the Ming Dynasty. He was considered as the premier literatus and accomplished art theorist of the period.
- Fu Shan (died 1684): He is remembered today as one of the most accomplished painters and seal-cutters of the Ming Dynasty.
- Chen Yan (1575-1624): He was a Chinese painter during the period of the Ming Dynasty. He was known to have used a variety of media in his works, such as ink, colors, and gold.
- Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322): Formerly Zhao Zhongzhou, he was a Chinese scholar-official and artist during the late Song dynasty and early Yuan dynasty periods. He was well known for his landscapes.
- Wen Zhengming (1470-1559): He was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Ming Dynasty. He is regarded as one of the Four Masters of Ming painting.
- Cao Buxing (1541-1615): He was a Chinese calligrapher and painter who is credited with establishing the Doucai technique in Chinese painting. This technique allowed for the use of different colors in a single painting.