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Last Name Furuzawa

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What is the origin of the last name Furuzawa?

The surname Furuzawa originates from Japan and is a variant of the original Furuse (ふるせ) family name. The Furuse clan was a samurai family that lived in the Tohoku region during the Edo period. Over time, the name evolved into its current form due to various reasons such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. However, it's important to note that the exact circumstances of this particular transformation may not be definitively known.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Furuzawa

The surname Furuzawa is a Japanese name that originates from the island of Honshu, specifically the Tohoku region. It belongs to the category of surnames known as "shoji" or "shoji," which were originally occupational names given to people who worked in specific trades, such as carpenters and builders.

The name Furuzawa is believed to be derived from the occupation of a person who worked with wooden planks, specifically those used for fences (furu meaning old or worn out, and zawa meaning plank or beam). Over time, these occupational names became hereditary and were passed down through generations.

In modern Japan, Furuzawa is a common surname found primarily in the prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Aomori, reflecting its regional origins. Like many Japanese names, it follows the "family name-given name" naming convention, with Furuzawa being the family name and a given name following after it to complete a person's full name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Furuzawa

The surname Furuzawa is predominantly found in Japan, specifically within the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto. Historically, it belongs to the Minamoto (Genji) clan, one of the oldest and most powerful families in Japanese history. Over time, its distribution has expanded throughout Japan due to migration and family lineage. In addition, there are also instances where individuals with the surname Furuzawa reside outside of Japan, primarily in countries with significant Japanese diaspora communities such as the United States, Brazil, Peru, and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Furuzawa

The surname Furuzawa can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration conventions. Some common spelling variations include Furusawa, Furuzoawa, Furuzaua, and Furozawa. These variations occur when the name is romanized or translated from Japanese characters using different systems, such as Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, or Nihon-shiki. Additionally, personal preference, regional dialects, or historical changes may also lead to slight differences in spelling. It's essential to note that all these variations are considered valid forms of the name and are not indicative of any difference in the individual's identity or origin.

Famous people with the last name Furuzawa

Furuzawa is a Japanese surname, and among its notable bearers are:

1. Hideki Furuzawa (born 1963), a former professional baseball player who played for the Yomiuri Giants from 1982 to 1995. He won multiple awards during his career, including the Japan Series MVP Award in 1994.

2. Kōichi Furuzawa (born 1963), a Japanese politician who serves as a member of the House of Representatives for the Democratic Party of Japan. He has served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and as Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

3. Yasushi Furuzawa (born 1947), a Japanese businessman who is the former President and CEO of Sony Corporation from 2005 to 2009. He also served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Asian Development Bank.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning sports, politics, and business, demonstrating the diverse accomplishments of those with the Furuzawa surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Furuzawa

The Furuzawa surname originates from Japan and is commonly found within the Japanese-American community due to historical migration patterns. The name can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, where it was likely a locality name derived from places such as Furuawa in Iwate Prefecture or Furuawa in Akita Prefecture. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), many Japanese migrated to countries like Brazil and the United States for work, contributing to the global distribution of the name. In the U.S., the name can be found predominantly in states with a significant Japanese-American population such as Hawaii, California, and Washington.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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