Bai (白, 百, 柏) is a unisex Chinese unisex name with multiple meanings depending on the character used. The most common form is 白 (bái), meaning "white, pure." Another character, 百 (bǎi), signifies "one hundred, many," while 柏 (bǎi) means "cypress tree, cedar" and is often used for masculine names. Additional Chinese characters may also form this name. The name appears in historical, cultural, and modern contexts, notably embodied by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701–762 XX), whose literary works remain legendary in Chinese literature. Etymology and Cultural Significance The root 白 (bái) evokes purity and brightness, qualities highly valued in Chinese aesthetics and philosophy. This character is also associated with the color white, which symbolizes mourning but also clarity and simplicity in different contexts. In the Chinese five elements system, white corresponds to metal and the west. The element 柏 (bǎi), referring to the cypress or cedar, conveys longevity and resilience, as these trees are evergreen and known for their durability. The name Bai (as a surname or first name) is also associated with the Bai ethnic group, one of China's 56 recognized ethnic minorities, primarily residing in Yunnan province. Notable Bearers The most famous historical bearer is obviously Li Bai, one of the greatest poets of the Tang dynasty. His given name, linked to the character 白, reflects his reputed poetic purity and romance nature. Other notable individuals include Bai Juyi (772–846 BC), another Tang poet who used a different characters for his surname (白居易), which though phonetically similar is unrelated to the given name Bai. In modern times, the name remains popular across China and among diaspora beyond. Linguistic and Regional Notes When transcribed from Chinese, the pronunciation Bái may be preceded, with length depending on tone. The meaning 白 "white" in Mandarin uses the second tone (rising tone, but remains the simplest category). Through loanword diversification, the surname Bai is distinct ethnographically from Vietnamese Bach, occurring itself quadruplex via connection to prehistoric Vietnamese settled individuals into China. Occurrences Outside China As reported by wiktionary report recently of earlier author direct edits, 'Bai' besides referencing east asian based person term possibly connotes identity documentation relevant uses. Possibly overlapping in Malaysia near but do not mistake including its article given to island: there also referring: An island called ''Bai south off the coast of '''Sabah Malaysia region where ''' Malay loan expansion considered only limited. Here final cautious correctness matters, '' Hence as double-use matter not encouraged…'' Meaning: White/pure (白), one hundred/many (百), cypress (柏) Origin: Chinese Type: First name unisex fam. as surname Strong Occurrence regions: Notbases varied across Ningxia's minority Autonomous Region Han settled proper.