Last Name Kata

The last name "Kata" has various possible origins: 1. Finnish: In Finland, "Kata" is a surname that originated as a short form of the name "Katariina," which is the Finnish form of Catherine. 2. Japanese: In Japanese, "Kata" (片) means "one-sided" or "partial." However, it is less common as a last name compared to its meaning as a term in the Japanese language. 3. Hebrew: In Hebrew, "Kata" (קט"א) is a Jewish surname with Sephardic roots. It is derived from the Hebrew word "katan" (קטן), meaning "small" or "young." It's essential to note that these are just a few possible origins, and the surname "Kata" may have different meanings or origins in other cultural or geographical contexts.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kata

The meaning and origin of the last name Kata

The surname Kata has multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Japanese, the surname Kata is derived from the word "kata," which means "shoulder." It is believed that this name was given to individuals who held prominent positions or roles within their respective communities. The surname may have also originated from the term "kata-na," referring to a traditional Japanese sword, particularly during the feudal era. This suggests that the surname might have been associated with individuals who were skilled in swordsmanship or had a connection to the warrior class. Additionally, the surname Kata can also be found in other cultures, such as India and Nepal, where it is believed to have originated from the Kshatriya caste, traditionally associated with warriors and rulers. Overall, the surname Kata carries connotations of strength, leadership, and martial prowess.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kata

The last name "Kata" is primarily found among individuals of Japanese origin, as it is a common surname in Japan. Its geographical distribution is concentrated within Japan, with the majority of individuals bearing this last name residing in different regions of the country. Within Japan, the largest populations of individuals with the last name Kata can be found in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima, where urban areas and economic opportunities attract diverse populations. However, it is worth noting that due to migration and globalization, individuals with the last name Kata may be found in other countries as well. Particularly, some individuals with Japanese ancestry or heritage may have migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, leading to scattered occurrences of the Kata surname in these locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kata

The last name Kata has a few variations and spellings that can be found across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Katta, Kada, Kattah, and Qata. These variations may occur due to regional accents, transliteration from different languages, or individual preference. The spelling Katta, for example, is often associated with South Indian origins, while Kada can be found in parts of the Balkans and Middle East. Kattah and Qata may be less common but can still be encountered in certain communities. It is not uncommon for families to adopt different spellings of their surname, especially when migrating to different countries or assimilating into new cultures. Overall, although the base name remains Kata, the variations and spellings provide insight into the diverse backgrounds and migrations of individuals with this last name.

Famous people with the last name Kata

One of the most well-known figures with the last name Kata is Hirokazu Kanazawa. A highly respected martial artist, he was born in 1931 in Japan and was renowned as one of the foremost practitioners and teachers of Shotokan karate. Kanazawa trained directly under Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, and went on to establish the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) in 1977. Throughout his life, Kanazawa Sensei authored numerous books on karate and traveled extensively, spreading the art and fostering its growth worldwide. Another notable personality is Saori Kataoka, a Japanese fashion designer. Known for her avant-garde and unconventional designs, Kataoka has gained international recognition for her innovative approach to fashion. Her creations have been showcased in major fashion events and exhibited in prestigious art galleries. Both Kanazawa and Kataoka have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact with their talents and expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Kata

The surname Kata has its roots in various cultures and geographic regions. In Japan, Kata is a relatively uncommon last name derived from the Japanese word for "form" or "shape." It might have originated from a person with exceptional physical appearance or from one skilled in a specific form of art, such as calligraphy or martial arts. In India, Kata is a Telugu Brahmin surname, signifying a priestly caste and indicating a lineage associated with religious rituals and practices. Additionally, Kata can be found among the Baganda people of Uganda, where it refers to a traditional dance performed during ceremonies or celebrations. The name Kata has also been adopted by individuals of Jewish descent, particularly from the Ashkenazi Jewish community, with variations such as Katz and Katt. Overall, the genealogical research on the last name Kata reveals a diverse range of origins and cultural associations.

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 : 11 April 2025

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