Last Name Kanda

The surname Kanda is of Japanese origin. It comes from a place name, like many Japanese surnames. Specifically, Kanda is the name of an ancient district in Tokyo that was famous for its shrine dedicated to the Shinto deity Ebisu. Over time, families who lived or were associated with this district took on the name Kanda as their surname. This naming tradition, known as "shichigō" (七号, seven names), developed during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kanda

The meaning and origin of the last name Kanda

The surname Kanda has roots that can be traced back to Japan. It is an ancient Japanese surname, originating from several distinct lineages. In one instance, it is derived from the location name "Kanda," which was once a district in Tokyo where the famous Kanda Myojin Shrine is located, suggesting that some families with this surname may have been affiliated with this shrine or lived in the area. Another possible origin is from the Japanese word "kane" (金) meaning gold or money, indicating that individuals bearing this name may have been involved in trade or had a connection to wealth. The Kanda surname is relatively uncommon outside of Japan and serves as an important cultural identifier for many Japanese families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kanda

The surname Kanda is primarily concentrated in Japan, where it originates from and is most commonly found. In Japan, it is predominantly located in the Kanto region, which includes the cities of Tokyo, Yokohama, and Saitama, as well as the prefectures of Gunma, Tochigi, and Niigata. The name also appears in significant numbers among Japanese communities in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Peru, and the United States, due to historical immigration patterns. In these regions, the Kanda surname can be found in urban centers with large Japanese populations, like São Paulo, Los Angeles, and New York City. While it is less prevalent outside Japan, the Kanda name does have a broader geographical distribution among the Japanese diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kanda

The surname Kanda has multiple variations and spellings worldwide due to differences in transliteration and local pronunciation. Some common variations include:

1. Kanada - Commonly found in India, this spelling originates from the region of Karnataka, where the name is pronounced similar to "Kan-da."
2. Kandah - A variation often seen among people of South Asian descent, particularly those with roots in Pakistan or Afghanistan.
3. Kanda (Japanese) - In Japan, this surname refers to a professional cook or chef and is less common than other spellings.
4. Candia (Portuguese) - This spelling can be found among Portuguese speakers, deriving from the name of the medieval Republic of Candia, now known as Crete.
5. Kánda (Hungarian) - In Hungary, this surname is spelled with an acute accent over the "a" and means "pond" or "marsh."
6. Kanda (Finnish) - The Finnish version of this surname could refer to a professional potter or someone from a specific location.
7. Qandah (Arabic) - A variation found in the Arab world, it is pronounced similarly to the South Asian spelling and means "garden" or "orchard."
8. Canadas (Spanish) - This Spanish version of the name refers to the North American country Canada.
9. Kandahar (English) - Although not a surname itself, this English term is derived from the name of a city in Afghanistan and can be found as part of certain family names.

Famous people with the last name Kanda

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kanda include:

1. Tetsuya Kanda (born 1968), a Japanese manga artist who is best known for his works such as "D.N.Angel" and "Rave Master."

2. Shigeru Kanda (1930-1994), a prominent Japanese architect who was one of the leading figures in postmodern architecture in Japan.

3. Naoto Kanda (born 1976), a Japanese actor, best known for his roles in "Rurouni Kenshin" and "Princess Mononoke."

4. Rinko Kikuchi (born 1981, whose real surname is Kanda), a Japanese actress who gained international recognition for her role in the film "Babel" directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Although her stage name is Kikuchi, she is originally from the Kanda family.

5. Akira Kanda (born 1973), a Japanese voice actor who provided voices for various anime series and video games, including "Dragon Ball Z" and "Naruto."

Genealogical research on the last name Kanda

The last name Kanda originates from Japan and is associated with the Tosa province, now known as Kochi Prefecture. Historically, the Kanda clan was one of the five great clans that ruled the Tosa domain during the Edo period (1603-1868). The name Kanda can be traced back to the 8th century, originating from the "Kanda Shrine" in Tokyo, which is dedicated to the gods of the rice harvest and industry. Over time, various branches of the Kanda family have emerged across Japan, with some families adopting different kanji characters for the name. In modern times, the Kanda name remains widespread throughout Japan, reflecting its long and significant history in Japanese society. Genealogical research on the Kanda family is ongoing, as scholars continue to explore the clan's roots and the many branches that have developed over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kanda"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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