Last Name Imaizumi

The surname Imaizumi originates from Japan. It is a locational name derived from various places named Imaizumi throughout Japan. The name often translates to "new rice field at the base of the mountain," reflecting its geographical origins. This surname is more common in the Tohoku region, particularly in Miyagi Prefecture. It belongs to a group of Japanese surnames known as the Go-Shirakawa family surnames, which were granted to the samurai class by the Shirakawa Imperial Court in the 12th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imaizumi

The meaning and origin of the last name Imaizumi

The surname Imaizumi is a Japanese name with origins rooted in the country's complex system of hereditary surnames, or 'seimyōshi'. The name can be translated as "芬泉" in Kanji characters, where "Ima" means 'grassy stream' and "zumi" refers to 'source' or 'origin'. This name suggests a place that once had a grassy stream as its source.

The Imaizumi surname is relatively common in Japan, particularly in the Kansai region, which includes cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Like many Japanese names, it was historically associated with a specific geographical location or feature. However, without specific family records, it is impossible to trace the exact origin of the Imaizumi surname to an individual or specific historical event.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imaizumi

The surname Imaizumi is primarily found in Japan, indicating its origins from that region. It belongs to the Tango no Kuni Yamato clan, which was one of the ancient clans of Japan. Historically, this family resided in the Tango province, located in western Japan. However, with population movements, migration, and the passage of time, individuals bearing the name Imaizumi can now be found throughout Japan. Additionally, due to Japanese immigration to other countries like the United States, Brazil, and Canada, variations of this surname may also be encountered in those locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imaizumi

The last name Imaizumi has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include: Imaizumy, Imayzumi, Imezumi, Imai-zumi, Imazumi, Ima-zu-mi, and Imai Sumi (which is a different name with a similar pronunciation). These variations may arise from differences in the romanization system used, such as Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, or Nihon-shiki. It's important to note that these variations are not necessarily interchangeable, and the correct spelling may depend on personal preference, cultural context, or historical records.

Famous people with the last name Imaizumi

Notable individuals with the surname Imaizumi include:

1. Hideki Imaizumi (born 1983), a Japanese professional baseball player who is currently a pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played college baseball at Waseda University and was drafted by the Tigers in the first round of the 2005 NPB draft.

2. Kenji Imaizumi (1930-2017), a Japanese film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work on numerous television series and films such as "The Great Yokai War" (2005) and "Kaibutsu-kun" (1984). He won several awards throughout his career.

3. Kiyotaka Imaizumi (born 1968), a Japanese actor best known for his roles in films like "Battle Royale" (2000) and "GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka" (1998). He has also worked extensively in television, winning several awards for his performances.

4. Makoto Imaizumi (born 1968), a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Aoni Production. He is known for voicing characters in anime series such as "Naruto" and "One Piece".

5. Mitsuko Imaizumi (born 1947), a Japanese actress who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout her career. She won the Best Actress award at the 1986 Blue Ribbon Awards for her role in "Umimachi Diary".

Genealogical research on the last name Imaizumi

The Imaizumi surname is of Japanese origin and belongs to the Minamoto clan, one of the most prominent families during Japan's Heian period (794-1185). The name "Imaizumi" translates to "the middle of a cedar mountain," indicating a specific geographical location where the family resided. The Minamoto clan was known for its political and military power, with several influential figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Minamoto no Yoritomo emerging from its ranks. Over time, various branches of the Minamoto family adopted different surnames, including Imaizumi. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Imaizumi family was part of the Tokugawa shogunate's political and social structure as daimyōs or regional lords. Today, the name Imaizumi can still be found in Japan, with many descendants maintaining a rich cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Imaizumi"
• 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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