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Last Name Fukano

What is the origin of the last name Fukano?

The surname "Fukano" is Japanese in origin and comes from a place name. Specifically, it derives from the ancient Japanese province of Kawachi Province (present-day Osaka Prefecture), where the place name "Fukano" existed. This place name could have meant something like "happy field" or "blossoming rice paddy" in ancient Japanese. The surname was likely taken up by a family who originally lived in this area and passed it down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fukano

The meaning and origin of the last name Fukano

The surname Fukano is a Japanese family name derived from the kanji characters 深 乃, which translate literally to "depth" and "child of". In Japan, the order of writing the kanji characters for a surname typically follows the rule of reading the first character with a masculine pronoun (おnames) and the second with a feminine one (おnaname). However, the reading of Fukano as both a male and female name is possible due to the change in the Japanese language over time. The name Fukano can also be written using different combinations of kanji characters, each carrying slightly different nuances, but retaining the overall meaning of "depth" or "originating from deep roots". Historically, surnames were adopted in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) as a means to organize populations for taxation and military conscription purposes. The practice allowed lords to more easily recognize their vassals.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fukano

The surname Fukano is primarily found in Japan, where it originates from the region of Shikoku, specifically the prefecture of Ehime and Kagawa. A smaller number of individuals carrying this surname can also be found in other parts of Japan, but its highest concentration remains in these western prefectures. Beyond Japan, the occurrence of Fukano as a last name is relatively rare, with only isolated cases reported in countries with significant Japanese diaspora populations such as the United States, Brazil, and Canada. The geographical distribution of Fukano thus reflects its historical roots in Shikoku and its cultural connection to Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fukano

The surname Fukano has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Fukanou, Fukanou, Fukanoo, and Fukanobu, reflecting changes in the vowel sound and the addition or omission of certain characters. Another variant is Fukanao, which may result from a different romanization system being used. In some cases, the name may be spelled as Fukaono, where the character for "no" has been written as one word instead of two. Additionally, there may be minor differences in spelling due to individual preferences or errors in transcription. It is always best to consult reliable sources when seeking accurate information about names and their origins.

Famous people with the last name Fukano

The Fukano surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Takeshi Fukuno, a Japanese physicist known for his contributions to superconductivity research. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003 jointly with Carl Wieman and Ricardo Zimmermann for the discovery of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute gases of alkaline atoms. In the realm of entertainment, the Fukano name is associated with Yūko Fukada, a Japanese actress and model who has starred in numerous films and television dramas, including the internationally acclaimed "Battle Royale." Additionally, Masahiro Fukano, a prominent Japanese manga artist, is known for his works such as "Futari wa Precure!" and "Tokyo Mew Mew," which have gained popularity among young audiences in Japan and around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Fukano

The Fukano surname originates from Japan and is found predominantly in the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka Prefecture. The name can be traced back to ancient records, with one of the earliest known bearers being Fukano Yorikata, who lived during the Heian period (794-1185). Over the centuries, the Fukano family expanded and branched out across various regions, adopting different roles in Japanese society. Some members served as samurai, while others were merchants, scholars, or artisans. One notable Fukano was Fukano Kunitoshi, a 16th-century poet who is remembered for his works in the renga poetry form. Today, the Fukano surname continues to be carried by individuals worldwide, with many descendants living in Japan and other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.

Last name distribution maps

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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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