Last Name Kata

The surname Kata has origins that are difficult to trace precisely due to the commonality of the name across various cultures and regions. However, it is most likely of Hungarian origin, where Kató is a feminine given name meaning "pure" or "untouched". In Hungary, it's common for last names to be derived from the father's given name, so Kata could be a patronymic surname. Alternatively, in Japanese, Kata refers to a specific form or routine of martial arts techniques. If the Kata family originated from Japan, it's possible that they were associated with martial arts. In this case, the surname may have been adopted by an individual or a group who practiced or taught martial arts. Lastly, there is a small village in Finland named Kata, located near the town of Lappeenranta, and it's possible that some families with the surname Kata originate from this location. It's important to note that these are general origins based on common naming practices, and each family may have unique histories and roots. For a more precise understanding of the origin of a specific Kata family, researching genealogical records or consulting with a professional genealogist would be most helpful.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kata

The surname Kata has roots that can be traced to various origins, primarily Japan, Hungary, and Greece. In Japanese, Kata means "form" or "method," and it is often associated with martial arts disciplines where techniques are passed down through specific forms. In Hungarian, Kata signifies "small box" or "chest." In Greek, however, the name does not appear to be common. It's important to note that a surname like Kata could also have been anglicized from other languages or dialects over time. The migration and assimilation of people with these roots have led to the dispersal of the Kata surname across the globe, making it a diverse and fascinating name in many cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kata

The surname Kata is primarily concentrated in certain regions due to historical and cultural reasons. It is most frequently found in East Asia, particularly Japan, where it is one of the common surnames. In Japan, the Kata name can be found across various prefectures, with higher concentrations in urban areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The surname is also present in South Korea, though less frequently compared to its prevalence in Japan. Outside East Asia, the occurrence of the surname Kata is sparse but can be found in countries with significant Japanese or Korean diaspora communities, such as the United States, Brazil, and Peru. It's important to note that the distribution of any surname reflects historical patterns of migration, population movements, and cultural influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kata

The surname Kata can have various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. The most common English spelling is "Kata," although you may also encounter alternate forms such as Katà, Kaṭa, or Kahata, which are phonetically similar but originate from different linguistic backgrounds. In some cases, it may be spelled as Catà or Cahata if transcribed from a language that uses different alphabets or pronunciation rules. It is also important to note that surnames can be influenced by regional dialects, cultural assimilation, and historical events, which can lead to additional variations. For instance, some families with the original name Kata may have adapted it over time into Katas, Katar, or Katte.

Famous people with the last name Kata

Notable individuals sharing the surname Kata include:

1. Atsushi Kata (born 1968), a Japanese actor who is best known for his roles in numerous films and television dramas, including "Rurouni Kenshin" and "Gokusen."

2. Eiji Kata (1909-1999), an American judo master who co-founded the Kodokan Judo Institute in Los Angeles. He was one of the early pioneers of judo in the United States, and a significant figure in the development of the sport worldwide.

3. Hideaki Anno (born 1960), a Japanese animator and director who uses the pen name Katsushiro Otomo professionally. He is best known as the creator of the animated series "Neon Genesis Evangelion," one of the most influential anime productions in history.

4. Keisuke Kataoka (born 1982), a Japanese footballer who currently plays for J-League club Kawasaki Frontale and is a member of the Japan national team. He has represented his country at the World Cup and the Olympics.

5. Kenji Kata (born 1971), a Japanese mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler who competed in both Pride Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Genealogical research on the last name Kata

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Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kata"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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