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Last Name Kaku

What is the origin of the last name Kaku?

The surname Kaku is of Japanese origin. It comes from a variety of possible sources within Japanese culture, often derived from places, occupations, or personal names. For example, it can originate from the place name Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture or the occupation name "Kaku" which refers to a bamboo worker. However, without specific context or additional information about a particular individual, it is not possible to definitively trace the origin of a specific instance of the surname Kaku.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kaku

The meaning and origin of the last name Kaku

The surname Kaku is of Japanese origin and has roots in both the Chinese and Korean languages. It is derived from the Chinese characters "鶚" or "雀," which mean sparrow, and it's also related to the Korean word "가구," meaning sparrow. Historically, it was a common practice for Japanese individuals to adopt surnames, often based on natural elements like animals, during the Heian period (794-1185). Over time, the name spread across Japan and evolved into various regional forms, such as Kakumoto, Kakihara, and Kakinuma. The popularity of the name Kaku reflects the significance of sparrows in Japanese culture and folklore, where they are often symbols of springtime, happiness, and good fortune.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kaku

The surname Kaku is predominantly found in Japan and has its roots from the island of Shikoku, specifically in the prefecture of Kagawa where it is most prevalent. In Japan, it ranks among the top 300 most common family names. Beyond Japan, the name can also be found in other parts of Asia, particularly among Japanese diaspora communities, such as in North and South America, Europe, and Oceania. Notably, the surname Kaku is associated with the famous physicist Leonard Susskind and his son, the theoretical physicist Jamie Susskind, who were both born in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kaku

The surname Kaku can have several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation across languages and cultures. Some common variations of this Japanese surname include:

* Kaako, Kaakou, Kaaku, Kaa'ko, Kaa'ku, and Kaa'kou (these variations may arise from differences in the romanization system used)
* Kakou, Kako, Kakuo, and Kakoue (these forms are derived from different kanji characters that can be pronounced as 'Kaku')

The most common version is likely "Kaku," which can be written using two kanji characters: 加朽 or 角. The former consists of the characters for "add" and "old," while the latter means "horn." Both readings are pronounced "Kaku" in modern Japanese.

Famous people with the last name Kaku

Notable individuals with the surname Kaku include:

1. Michio Kaku, a renowned theoretical physicist and futurist, known for popularizing science through books such as "Physics of the Impossible" and "The Future of Humanity."

2. Ryotaro Kaku, a Japanese manga artist who created "Golgo 13," one of the longest-running manga series in Japan.

3. Yoshihiko Kaku, a former Japanese politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Governor of Aomori Prefecture.

4. Hiroshi Kaku, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, known for his work in algebraic geometry.

5. Keisuke Kakudai, a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Vegalta Sendai and the Japan national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Kaku

The Kaku surname is of Japanese origin and is believed to be derived from several possible sources. One possibility is that it originates from the Old Japanese word "kaku" meaning "square" or "rectangular." Another theory suggests that it may have been an occupational name for a carpenter, as the character "冑" in Chinese characters, which can be read as Kaku in Japanese, refers to a type of mortar used in construction. The Kaku family is one of the oldest and most distinguished families in Japan, with roots tracing back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Notable members include Masajiro Kaku, a prominent samurai during the Edo period, and Akira Kaku, a renowned architect who designed several notable buildings in Japan. The family crest features a crane with spread wings, symbolizing long life, honor, and filial piety.

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 : 27 July 2025

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