Japanese Names And Last Names
Japanese names and last names. Japanese names are used in japan and in japanese communities throughout the world. Note that depending on the japanese characters used these names can have many other meanings besides those listed here. This surname means one who lives near the bridge and is one of the common japanese last names. The meaning of this name is a peaceful hill.
Prior to the meiji period 1868 1912 last names were rarely used except by the samurais noblemen merchants and some artisans. In ancient japan clans were organized by the kabane system which determined each clan s political and social standing. Japanese last names around 300 b c people in japan began using occupational or geographical names to define their clan a group of people related by blood marriage or a common ancestor. Last names are a great way to connect with our roots.
The commoners which made up the vast majority of people in those times were referred to by their given name and the area from which they were from. These clans grew into small kingdoms which were then united under one ruler who gave each clan a designation according to their societal status. Japanese last names show a particularly strong connection to the country s breathtaking nature and clan history.
See also about japanese names. Ai hashimoto model and actress is a famous name bearer. A lot of japanese surnames are taken from place names and or geographical terms.