Last Name Edo

The surname Edo has multiple possible origins across various cultures and regions. In some cases, it could be derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by an area called "Edo," which can be found in several countries such as Spain, Italy, or Poland. In Japan, the name Yedo (written as 江戸 in Japanese) was originally the name of a small fishing village that later grew into the city of Edo, the former name of Tokyo before the Meiji Restoration in 1868. As a result, the name Edo might have been brought to other countries by immigrants from Japan during various periods of migration. It's always a good idea to research the specific history and geography of the region where your ancestors originated for more accurate information regarding the possible origins of your surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Edo

The meaning and origin of the last name Edo

The surname Edo is of African origin, particularly associated with the Bini people from present-day Nigeria. Historically, the name Edo referred to the Kingdom of Benin, an ancient empire known for its rich culture and craftsmanship. Over time, this kingdom's name has been adopted as a surname by some of its descendants who migrated or were enslaved and taken to other parts of the world. The name Edo carries a strong connection to the Bini people's history and heritage, representing resilience, creativity, and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Geographical distribution of the last name Edo

The surname Edo is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Benin, where it originates from the city of Benin City in Edo State. In Nigeria, it's one of the most common last names among the Edo ethnic group and a significant portion of the population in the state itself. The name has also spread to other parts of the country due to migration and assimilation over time. Outside Africa, there are communities with the Edo surname primarily in the United States and Canada, where individuals or families of Nigerian descent have settled. Additionally, it can be found among African diaspora communities in various countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Edo

The surname Edo possesses multiple variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Here are some commonly found forms:

* Edo: This is the original spelling, derived from various Italian locations such as Edoardo or Edolo. It's also used in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil.
* Aedo: An archaic Spanish variation of the name Edo, mainly used in historical contexts.
* Ido: This is a shorter form of Edo, which can be found among Jewish families who trace their origins to Spain or Portugal during the Inquisition era. It's also used as a given name in some cultures.
* Yedo: A Japanese form of the name, which could potentially be a different surname entirely due to its common usage in Japan.
* Eydo: A less common English spelling variation of the surname.
* Idaugo: A Basque (a language spoken in parts of Spain and France) version of Edo, meaning "from the hill".
* Iddo: Hebrew form of the name, which could be a diminutive form of Hiddai, meaning "wealthy".

Famous people with the last name Edo

Notable individuals sharing the surname Edo include:

1. Yutaka Edo (born 1943), a Japanese professional wrestler and actor who was known for his appearances in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
2. Masayuki Edo (born 1958), a Japanese former footballer who played as a midfielder and won the Asian Football Confederation Championship with Japan in 1991 and 1995.
3. Rintaro Edo (born 1972), a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and animator known for his work on anime series such as Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.
4. Aiko Edo (born 1978), a Japanese actress who has appeared in numerous films and television dramas since the late 1990s, including the popular drama series Hana Yori Dango.
5. Edoardo Ballerini (born 1982), an Italian professional racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Genealogical research on the last name Edo

The surname Edo is of Japanese origin and is associated with the historical city of Edo, now known as Tokyo. Originally a title for local governors during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was adopted by samurai families who served under these governors or were from the region. Over time, some individuals adopted the name as a mark of pride for their connection to the city or its culture. In modern Japan, the surname Edo is relatively rare due to the widespread practice of family names being passed down through the male lineage. Variations of the surname include Eda, Edoo, and Edogawa, which is the name of a ward in Tokyo that was named after the city's former name. Notable people with the surname Edo include the Japanese poet, Edo Kiraku (1786-1825) and musician Edo Kobayashi (born 1944).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Edo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends