Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Higa

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Higa?

The surname Higa is of Japanese origin. It comes from a place name, specifically a village called Higashi in the Tohoku region of Japan. The name Higashi means "east" in Japanese. Over time, families from this area began to bear the surname Higa as a marker of their origin. This naming tradition was common in feudal Japan where individuals were often identified by their place of origin or occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Higa

The meaning and origin of the last name Higa

The surname Higa is of Japanese origin and belongs to a category of surnames known as seimei-sho, which are derived from a person's given name or profession. The name Higa is believed to be derived from the old Japanese personal name Hiroyoshi, which means "great wisdom" or "long-lasting intelligence." Over time, this name was adopted as a surname by various families in Japan. It is most commonly found in the prefectures of Okinawa and Kagoshima, but can be found throughout Japan. The Higa family crest features a tiger and pine tree, symbolizing strength and longevity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Higa

The surname Higa is predominantly found in Japan, originating from the Okinawa prefecture. Historically, it was one of the native Ryukyuan dynasties that ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom before its annexation by Japan in the late 19th century. Today, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Higa resides in Okinawa due to its historical roots. However, the name has also spread within Japan beyond Okinawa, particularly in other urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. Emigration from Japan has led to the presence of Higa descendants in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. In these countries, they form smaller but significant communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Higa

The surname Higa has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation across languages and historical periods. Some common variants include Hiaga, Higashi, Higg, Higgins (derived from an anglicized form), Heiga, Heikka, and Higa-Yamauchi. The name is of Japanese origin and is derived from the character 日下, which means "under the sun" or "southern slope". It is a common surname in Hawaii due to the Japanese immigration that took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other variations may arise from individual families adopting different spellings over time or as a result of misinterpretations by record-keepers.

Famous people with the last name Higa

Yoshihiro Higa is a notable figure from Japan, known for his achievements in judo. He won a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 2009 and secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the realm of technology, Brian Higa, also known as BFVSkeppy or just Skeppy, is an influential YouTuber who gained prominence for his Minecraft gameplay videos. He collaborates with other popular YouTubers like Markiplier and Jacksepticeye. In the world of entertainment, Jason Higa is a well-known actor, writer, and producer best known for his role in the film "Better Luck Tomorrow." Additionally, Melissa Higa Hernandez is a professional skateboarder who has competed in various X Games events and has been featured on the cover of Transworld Skateboarding magazine. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Higa

The surname Higa originates from Japan and is primarily found among the Ryukyuan people, an ethnic group residing in Okinawa prefecture. Historically, the Ryukyu Kingdom was independent until it was annexed by Japan in 1879. The name Higa can be traced back to various Ryukyuan dialects and is believed to have originated as a topographic or occupational name. One common interpretation of the name suggests that it comes from the term "higashi," meaning east. Over time, families with this surname migrated throughout Japan and later emigrated to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Notable figures with the Higa surname include Yukio Higa, a Japanese politician, and Shane Victorino, an American professional baseball outfielder of Japanese descent. Genealogical research on this surname is often challenging due to limited historical records in Ryukyuan dialects and the dispersed nature of the population.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Higad

Last name • surnames > higad

The surname "Higad" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Filipino word "higad," which means "caterpillar" in English. The surname may have originated from a place known fo...

#2 Higashikawa

Last name • surnames > higashikawa

The last name "Higashikawa" originates from Japan. It is a Japanese surname derived from the words "higashi," meaning "east," and "kawa," meaning "river." This surname likely origi...

#3 Higazey

Last name • surnames > higazey

The last name "Higazey" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with limited information available about it...

#4 Higbee

Last name • surnames > higbee

The surname Higbee is of English origin, and it is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a higher beech tree or perhaps a farm with such a feature. Th...

#5 Highlodi

Last name • surnames > highlodi

The surname Highlodi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "lodo," meaning "praise" or "commendation."

#6 Hightclass

Last name • surnames > hightclass

The last name "Hightclass" is of English origin. It is thought to be a surname that was originally given to individuals who belonged to a high social class or had a noble lineage. ...

#7 Highton

Last name • surnames > highton

The last name Highton is of English origin and is derived from a locational surname, referring to someone who came from a place called Highton. Highton is an area in Lancashire, En...

#8 Higi

Last name • surnames > higi

The origin of the last name "Higi" is not clear or widely known. It is a relatively uncommon surname and does not have a specific geographical or cultural origin associated with it...

#9 Higirio romero

Last name • surnames > higirio-romero

The origin of the last name "Higirio Romero" appears to be of Spanish origin. "Romero" is a common Spanish surname derived from the Latin word "romarinus" meaning "rosemary." The s...

#10 Hignard

Last name • surnames > hignard

The surname Hignard is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, "Hignon," which was a medieval diminutive of the name "Hugues," a popular name derived from the Germanic p...

#11 Higuain

Last name • surnames > higuain

The surname Higuain is of Spanish origin. It derives from the word "higo," which means fig in English. This name was often given to someone who lived near a fig tree or whose famil...

#12 Higuera

Last name • surnames > higuera

The surname Higuera is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name, specifically "Las Higueras," a location in the province of Seville, Spain. This toponym comes from the Latin...

#13 Higy

Last name • surnames > higy

The surname Higy has origins that are not easily traced due to its rarity. However, it is possible that it could be a variant or short form of Germanic names such as Heinrich, Diet...