Last Name Imai

The surname Imai is of Japanese origin and comes from the Kanji characters "いまい" which mean "beautiful rice field." It is one of the many surnames that were created during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) in Japan, when the feudal system was established and samurai families were given land and titles. The name Imai was likely given to a samurai who owned or lived near a beautiful rice field. In modern times, the surname Imai is one of the most common surnames in Japan, ranked among the top 100.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imai

The meaning and origin of the last name Imai

The surname Imai is of Japanese origin, derived from various places named Imai across Japan. It's one of several Japanese surnames that do not indicate samurai status or honorific titles. The name often stems from geographical locations, such as a village, mountain, or body of water. For instance, the name Imai can be associated with places meaning "gravel" or "shingle" in Japanese, reflecting the physical characteristics of the original location. Over time, this surname has been adopted and distributed among diverse families, creating numerous branches throughout Japan and other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imai

The surname Imai is primarily concentrated in Japan, where it originates from the Tohoku region, specifically in the prefectures of Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima. It belongs to the clan name Minamoto or Genji, one of the oldest and most prominent clans in Japanese history. Outside of Japan, the surname Imai can be found in various countries with significant Japanese diaspora populations, such as Brazil, Peru, Canada, and the United States, particularly in Hawaii due to historical immigration from Japan. In these countries, the distribution is not homogeneous but rather clustered in urban areas with high concentrations of Japanese immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imai

The surname Imai has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Here are some common forms:

1. Imai - This is the standard Japanese spelling, originating from the Kanji characters 今井.
2. Imai - An alternative spelling that may arise from differences in transcription or pronunciation.
3. Imy - A phonetic variant of Imai in some English-speaking countries, although it is less common and not as widely recognized.
4. Imey - Another uncommon phonetic variation of the surname.
5. Yimai, Yimae, or Yimay - These variations may occur due to the application of Western naming conventions, where family names come first, as in some instances, Yimai might be the transcription of Imai with a reversed order.
6. Imhoff - A possible Germanized form of Imai, although it is unlikely that this spelling derives from Japanese immigrants to Germany or other European countries.
7. Eimae (Ei-mai) - An alternate pronunciation in Okinawan dialect, which may lead to variations in written form if transcribed phonetically using the Latin alphabet.

Famous people with the last name Imai

Kenji Imai is a renowned Japanese statistician who developed the CUSUM (Cumulative Sum) charts and control methods that are widely used in quality control and statistical process monitoring. Born in Tokyo in 1920, he earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1957, making him one of the first Japanese statisticians to earn a doctorate from an American university. Imai's work has significantly contributed to the field of statistics and industrial management.

Another notable figure with the surname Imai is Mitsuo Imai, a Japanese painter known for his abstract expressionist style. Born in 1928, he moved to New York City in 1956 and was part of the second generation of Abstract Expressionists. Imai's work is characterized by bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and organic forms, reflecting his deep connection with nature. His art has been exhibited extensively in Japan and the United States.

Lastly, there is Hiroshi Imai, a Japanese screenwriter and director who gained recognition for his work in cinema and television. He began his career as an assistant to renowned director Akira Kurosawa, and later wrote and directed various films and TV series. Notable works include "The Ballad of Narayama" and "The Human Condition," which were both critically acclaimed. Imai's body of work has contributed significantly to the Japanese film industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Imai

The surname Imai is of Japanese origin and belongs to the Min'yō-dōmei (名氏同盟) or Court Rank Clan category in Japanese nomenclature. It is an old samurai family that originated from the province of Echizen, located in modern-day Fukui Prefecture. The Imai clan was a branch of the Matsudaira clan, one of Japan's most powerful and influential families during the Edo period (1603-1868). Notable members include Imai Sōkyū (1574-1638), a painter and scholar who contributed to the development of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and Imai Tōyō (1849-1924), a photographer and inventor who is considered a pioneer in Japanese photography. The name Imai can also be found in other Asian countries like Korea and Taiwan due to migration and cultural exchange over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Imai"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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