The 150 most common Japanese surnames and their meaning

Searching popular japanese surnames? You have come to the right place! In Japan there are more than 100,000 different surnames, many more than in any other country in the world.

The Japanese surnames come mostly from the names in use of the family itself or from the nicknames with which they were known, which in their time were registered for pass from generation to generation.

However, as with Japanese names, Japanese surnames are mix of one, two or more kanji, and as such, they have their own meaning.

Related with nature elements, with people's own values, and even some from royalty, it is very curious to discover what each family name really means.

This time we focus on 50 Japanese surnames with the most common meanings in the land of the rising sun and another 100 quite widespread surnames.

The vast majority will sound like from the movies, anime series, or the names of famous women and men from Japan. But others are little known outside the country, and they will seem most curious to you.

Discover what do surnames mean in japanese and delve a little deeper into Japanese culture through the history of typical surnames.

What last name can I give my child in Japan?

Unlike Western countries, Asian surnames began to be used relatively recently. Specifically in Japan, ordinary people did not begin to use surnames until the Meiji period, between 1868 and 1912.

Before the important changes that occurred in the country at the end of the 19th century, only the Japanese imperial surnames.

That is, the only families that had a surname were the emperors, kings and feudal lords, although sometimes some warriors, monks and important merchants acquired a surname to be able to identify themselves.

The first Japanese surnames were related to the place where they lived families, profession or some particular characteristic.

For this reason they are usually words with a simple meaning, composed of the variation of kanjis to be able to more easily differentiate people who have the same name within the same town or region.

In the Meiji revolution it was made mandatory to choose and register a surname. In this way it would be easier to control the population of the entire country.

Some of the most commonly used surnames in Japan today are also the most beautiful, with a very deep meaning who is wearing them for.

How many surnames do Japanese have?

In Japan it is tradition to have only one last name. This will be the name of the family, which are kept throughout the generations.

The most common is that when getting marriedLet the woman take the husband's surname, becoming part of the new family. However, this is not entirely mandatory, and there is the possibility for the husband to take his wife's surname if he so wishes.

It is also common for people in Japan to only have a first and last name. At the time of a formal presentation, or if you have to write the full name, the family name or surname is placed in front, followed by the proper name.

This same custom is followed in other Asian countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam or Thailand. These are usually composed of the family name, followed by a single different proper name for each member of the family.

Most common Japanese surnames

Do you also want to know which are the best Japanese surnames? We cannot list the more than 100,000 surnames from Japan.

However, if we are going to see the Japanese surnames that begin with all the letters and its most typical meanings of the country.

Japanese surnames with A

Abe

Although little known, it is a very common Japanese surname. It means 'peace on several occasions', and due to the symbolism of the two kanjis that compose it, it must come from an important family.

Ahane

Something better known is the surname Ahane, which is the mixture of various elements of nature. 'Ah' means 'second', 'ha' means 'waves', and 'ne' is 'root' in Japanese. Its exact origin is not known, but it must have belonged to a family of farmers.

I walk

It comes from the Japanese clan Fuyiwara, and means 'peaceful wisteria'. Wisteria is a plant of great beauty, which in Japan is also known as 'fuji'.

Aoki

It is a very common surname in the Ryukyu Islands, although little by little it spread throughout the country. It means 'green Tree', and as such, it has its origin in a place where vegetation abounds.

Japanese surnames with B

Beppu

With a marked Japanese character, this is possibly the most original surname among foreigners. It means 'separate neighborhood', so it refers to a family that lived on the outskirts or in an environment far from civilization.

Bushida

Although all Japanese surnames are unisex, as is the case in most cultures, Bushida is a familiar name that is associated with boys and young men. It translates as 'samurai' or 'warrior', and it is a pride to be able to use it.

Japanese surnames with C

Chiba

Chiba is the name of one of the most famous prefectures in the Kanto region, but also one of the rarest Japanese surnames. It means 'thousands of leaves', and although formerly it was used a lot, little by little it is being lost among new families.

Japanese surnames with E

Endo

It comes from the famous Fujiwara clan. Specifically from one of the most important branches whose relatives are still very important people throughout the country. Contains the kanji 'far away' and 'wisteria', although between these two words there seems to be no relationship whatsoever.

Japanese surnames with F

Fujii

Although there are those who confuse it with Japan's most famous volcano, this surname is related with the wisteria plant, which is pronounced the same. Adding an extra 'i' at the end changes the meaning, referring to 'town' or 'community'.

Fujiwara

Combine the kanji of the wisteria plant once more, along with the one for 'wara' which means 'prairie' or 'plain'. It refers to a meadow where lush trees of this type so common in Japan grow.

Fukuda

This surname is very common and has a very beautiful meaning. It is the mixture of 'rice field' with 'blessing', for a family that has good fortune in life or that carves out its own blessings through hard work.

Japanese surnames with G

Goda

Literally means 'attached to the rice field', and it surely comes from primitive families that cultivated rice decades ago. Today it is very common in cities, but above all it is typical of small japanese towns and remote regions of the country.

Japanese surnames with H

Hara

Composed of a single kanji, it is a very simple surname that means 'meadow'. Japanese families love it, because of the way it is pronounced and also because of its symbolism, which is why it is becoming a very popular surname.

Hashimoto

Today it is one of the oldest and most used surnames in Japan. Means 'main bridge', by the union of two Japanese symbols of great strength and meaning. For many families it is a tradition to keep it as it is believed to bring good luck.

Hayashi

Although its original pronunciation has up to 3 syllables, in Japan it may be one of the only surnames composed of such a simple kanji. This makes it a very popular surname, which literally means 'forests', in plural.

Sling

Surely you have ever heard this last name. But do you know what it means and what the Japanese who wear it think? It translates 'rice field', and although today it is associated with important families, the truth is that it has very humble origins.

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