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Origin and meaning of the name Okabe

What is the origin of the name Okabe?

The origin of the name "Okabe" is Japanese. It comes from the Okabe clan, which was a prominent family in the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, particularly in the Tottori and Shimane prefectures. The surname "Okabe" can be written using different kanji characters, but one common version is 岡部, which literally translates to "foot of the mountain town."

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Okabe

The name Okabe is derived from Japanese origins, specifically from the Okubo or Ōkubo surname, which translates to "great meadow" or "large rice field" in English. Over time, this surname has been used as a given name, such as in the case of Okabe, reflecting a common practice in Japanese naming traditions whereby individuals can be named after their family name. The name Okabe is not particularly common outside of Japan and is most frequently found among Japanese families. Its popularity within Japan may vary depending on regional and cultural factors. It is generally pronounced as "Oh-ka-beh" in the standard Japanese pronunciation system, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Character traits associated with the name Okabe

Okabe is often characterized as an introverted and intelligent individual, with a keen interest in science and technology. He is known for his strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems, which are often displayed during critical moments in the narrative. His sensitivity towards others' feelings, especially those close to him, is also a notable trait, making him compassionate and empathetic. Okabe demonstrates a high degree of determination and resilience, always striving to protect the ones he cares about despite facing numerous obstacles. Lastly, his creativity and resourcefulness are evident in his inventions, particularly the "Phone Microwave," a device that allows time travel. These characteristics make Okabe a complex and compelling protagonist.

Popularity of the name Okabe

The name Okabe is primarily of Japanese origin and has a moderate level of popularity within Japan. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare's naming statistics, Okabe ranked as the 3,824th most common name for boys born in Japan in 2019. While it may not be among the top-tier names in terms of frequency, its presence in popular culture, such as the "Steins;Gate" series featuring a character named Rintarō Okabe, could contribute to its familiarity and potential appeal among certain demographics. However, the popularity of the name Okabe outside of Japan is relatively low, reflecting the name's cultural specificity.

Famous people with the name Okabe

Okabe Rintarō is a prominent Japanese theoretical physicist and character from the visual novel "Steins;Gate." In the narrative, he invents a device to communicate with the past, leading to paradoxes that alter the course of his life and humanity's future. Another notable figure named Okabe is Shunsuke Okabe, a Japanese musician and composer who is best known as one of the co-founders and keyboardists of the J-Rock band Radwimps. Born in 1980, Okabe was instrumental in writing many of their hit songs, including "Zenzenzense," which gained widespread popularity after being used as the theme song for the anime film "Your Name." In addition to his work with Radwimps, Okabe has also composed music for several movies and television shows.

Variations of the name Okabe

The name Okabe, while primarily of Japanese origin, can have various spellings and phonetic representations in the Latin alphabet. Common variants include Okabe, O'Kabe, O-Kabe, and Okabayashi. The surname Okabe is a fairly common one in Japan and derives from the region of Kai (modern-day Yamanashi prefecture). Over time, it may also be romanized differently depending on the transliteration system used, such as O-Kabe in Hepburn Romanization. The given name Okabe is less common, but can also appear in compound names like Ryōsuke Okabe or Takeshi Okabe. In Japanese, the name could also be written using different kanji characters, resulting in slightly different meanings. For example, one possible set of characters for the surname Okabe (okab-e) means "small hill" or "small beach," while another (okaba-je) can translate to "a small boat." These variations showcase the flexibility and adaptability of the name Okabe in different contexts.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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