15 Common Japanese Last Names You Should Know

When you meet a Japanese person for the first time, you might struggle to understand and pronounce their name due to unfamiliar sounds. Since Japanese alphabets and their sounds differ greatly from English, mastering them requires time and effort. However, there are several last names (surnames) that are common among Japanese people. Let’s familiarize ourselves with some of them, so we can feel more confident when meeting someone new in Japan!

If you find this article helpful and want more study tips for Japanese, check out the following articles that cover various aspects to help you master the language!

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Structure of Japanese Names

First and foremost, Japanese names consist of two parts: the last name (surname) and the first name (given name). While many countries in Europe, North America, and South America have names that begin with the given name, Japanese names always start with the last name. This sometimes leads to confusion when individuals from overseas fill out application forms. In Japanese, the last name is called “姓 (Sei)” or “名字/苗字 (Myoji),” and the first name is called “名 (Mei).” A name in Japanese, which is a combination of the family name and first name, is referred to as “姓名 (Seimei),” “氏名 (Shimei),” or “名前 (Namae).”

Common Japanese Last Names

Let’s take a look at 15 common Japanese last names based on the ranking as of March 2023!

Reference: 名字由来net (Myoji yurai net)

No.1 Sato 佐藤 (さとう) : Approx. 1.84 million people

The name 佐藤 (Sato) may sound similar to the Japanese word for “sugar” (“砂糖 さとう”), but they have no connection in terms of history. There are many Japanese family names that utilize the kanji “藤,” including 佐藤 (Sato), as you will discover in the list. Its origin can be traced back to 藤原氏 (Fujiwara-shi), the Fujiwara family, which held significant positions in the Imperial Court during the Heian period (794-1185). While there are various theories regarding the exact origin of “佐藤,” one prominent theory suggests that 藤原公清 (Fujiwara Kimikiyo), who resided in an area called 佐野 (Sano) near Tochigi prefecture, adopted the name “佐藤” in reference to the “Fujiwara clan of Sano” during the same period.

No.2 Suzuki 鈴木 (すずき) : Approx. 1.78 million people

The name 鈴木 (Suzuki) is believed to have originated from the “穂積 (Hozumi)” family, who were Shinto priests in the Kii region (Wakayama prefecture). “Hozumi” refers to a “rice field” in Japanese, where ears of rice are stacked. A stick placed in the center of the field is called “Susuki” in the local area, which is said to be the origin of the name “Suzuki.” In kanji, “鈴 (Suzu)” means “bell,” and “木 (Ki)” means “wood.” The renowned Japanese former baseball player Ichiro’s full name is “鈴木一朗 Suzuki Ichiro.”

No.3 Takahashi 高橋 (たかはし) : Approx. 1.39 million people

The name 高橋 (Takahashi), depicted by the kanji “高” meaning “high” and “橋” meaning “bridge,” is derived from locations and areas with the same name, signifying a “high bridge” or “hill.” It is believed that families who settled in the “Takahashi” area adopted the name as their surname. Additionally, Takahashi also symbolizes a bridge connecting earth and heaven and was favored by Shinto priests as well.

No.4 Tanaka 田中 (たなか) : Approx. 1.32 million people

The kanji “田 (Ta)” signifies a “(rice) field,” and “中 (Naka)” means “in the middle.” Given that Japan has a significant presence of rice fields, there are approximately 60 places named with “田” in the country, and many family names originated from these locations. Among other surnames utilizing “田,” “田中” can indicate the central landowner, as suggested by the “中” character, although there are alternative theories based on specific regions.

No.5 Ito 伊藤 (いとう) : Approx. 1.06 million people

Similar to “佐藤,” the name “伊藤 (Ito)” is linked to the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period. The “伊藤” family is believed to have originated when 尾藤基影 (Bito Motokage), a descendant of the seventh generation of 藤原秀郷 (Fujiwara Hidesato), became the governor of 伊勢 (Ise), an area in present-day Mie prefecture. The adoption of the name indicated the connection to the “Fujiwara clan of Ise.”

No.6 Watanabe 渡辺 (わたなべ) : Approx. 1.05 million people

The “渡辺 (Watanabe)” family originated in the area of the same name in Nakanoshima (Osaka). The founder, “渡辺綱 (Watanabe Tsuna),” was a heroic figure during the Heian period and has been featured in numerous artworks and fairy tales. The Watanabe clan took pride in their naval abilities and rose to power as a samurai family (武家 – Buke). In addition to its historical significance, what sets “渡辺” apart is the existence of various kanji variants for “辺,” including “部” and “邊,” resulting in a total of 58 possible combinations.

No.7 Yamamoto 山本 (やまもと) : Approx. 1.04 million people

The kanji “山 (Yama)” represents a “mountain,” and “本 (Moto)” means “the foot” or “the base.” The combination “山本 (Yamamoto)” literally translates to “the foot of a mountain.” In Japan, where mountains have been revered since ancient times, people gathered at the foot of mountains throughout the country, formed villages, and adopted the family name “山本.”

No.8 Nakamura 中村 (なかむら) : Approx. 1.03 million people

The kanji “中 (Naka)” meaning “in the middle” and “村 (Mura)” meaning “village” suggest that the origin of “中村 (Nakamura)” is similar to that of “田中,” relating to the growth of rice culture in the country. As the population in villages increased for rice cultivation, major villages started to branch off. The central village was called “中村” or “本村” (Honmura), while branch villages were known as “上村 (Kamimura)” or “下村 (Shimomura)” depending on their location. The family name “中村” is believed to have been derived from the name of the village. There are still over 100 places named “中村” till this day.

No.9 Kobayashi 小林 (こばやし) : Approx. 1.02 million people

The combination of “小 (Ko)” meaning “small” and “林 (Bayashi)” meaning “woods” gives rise to the literal meaning of “小林 (Kobayashi)” as “small woods.” It is said that the surname originated from wooded areas that provided protection to villages against wind or sand. “小林” is particularly common in central areas of Japan, including the Kanto and Chubu regions, and it is the most common surname in Nagano prefecture.

No.10 Kato 加藤 (かとう) : Approx. 878 thousand people

Similar to “佐藤” and “伊藤,” the “加藤 (Kato)” family is associated with the “Fujiwara clan of 加賀 (Kaga).” Its roots trace back to when 藤原景道 (Fujiwara Kagemichi) became Kagasuke (Vice Minister of Kaga) and adopted the name. 加藤景清 (Kato Kagekiyo), the son of Kagemichi, later established a base in Ise, and the Kato Family expanded throughout the region.

No.11 Yoshida 吉田 (よしだ) : Approx. 818 thousand people

The name “吉田 (Yoshida)” combines the kanji “吉 (Yoshi)” meaning “good” or “good luck” with “田 (Ta)” meaning “rice field,” symbolizing a wish for a bountiful harvest. Similar to “田中,” “吉田” is often found in areas where rice cultivation has thrived and where farmland has historically been abundant.

No.12 Yamada 山田 (やまだ) : Approx. 804 thousand people

“山田 (Yamada)” literally translates to “rice fields in or between mountains,” indicating the historical context when villages and rice fields were primarily situated in mountainous areas before the advancement of irrigation technology. This is why the roots of “山田” can be traced to various locations in Japan. Due to its simple meaning and kanji, “山田” is often used as a sample name in many application forms.

No.13 Sasaki 佐々木 (ささき) : Approx. 661 thousand people

The Sasaki family is believed to have originated when 源成頼 (Minamoto no Naruyori) was sent to Sasagisho in Omi Province, and his grandson, 経方 (Tsunekata), adopted the name. The iteration mark “々” is used to repeat the previous kanji and does not have its own sound.

No.14 Yamaguchi 山口 (やまぐち) : Approx. 635 thousand people

The combination of the kanji “山 (Yama)” meaning “mountain” and “口 (Guchi)” meaning “gate” gives “山口,” which literally translates to “a gate to a mountain.” It is one of the most common topographical surnames in Japan. With approximately 70% of the land consisting of mountains and forests, there are over 150 places named “山口” throughout the country.

No.15 Matsumoto 松本 (まつもと) : Approx. 619 thousand people

Historically, “松 (Matsu)” or pine trees have been considered sacred and were believed to be the dwelling place of gods in ancient times. This is why “松” is used in the names of many places and individuals. Among the various names that incorporate “松,” “松本” is the most common surname and is associated with ancient Shinto priests of shrines, including Ise Jingu.

Summary

We have presented the top 15 most common Japanese surnames, along with a brief history and their meanings. While Japanese language can be complex, with different rules and sounds compared to English, it becomes much easier once you make friends with Japanese speakers. We hope that understanding Japanese names will facilitate smoother conversations with the Japanese people you encounter in the future!

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