Last Name Kitamura

The surname Kitamura is Japanese and originates from the country's system of hereditary surnames, also known as "seimyōshi." In Japan, before the Meiji period (1868-1912), individuals were often identified by their occupations, locations, or personal characteristics. In this case, the name Kitamura is a topographic name derived from the word "kita," meaning north, and "mura" meaning village or district. Therefore, Kitamura originally indicated someone who lived in a northern village or district. Over time, it became a hereditary surname for families residing in such locations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kitamura

The meaning and origin of the last name Kitamura

The surname Kitamura is of Japanese origin, specifically from the island of Honshu. The name translates to "kitami mountains" or "north mountains," derived from the combination of the characters "ki" (北) meaning north, and "tama" (田) meaning field or rice paddy, combined with the suffix "-mura" (村), which means village. Historically, this surname may have been given to someone who lived near the northern mountainous region in Japan, possibly a place where they owned farmlands. Over time, the name has been adopted by many Japanese families and is now found worldwide among individuals of Japanese descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kitamura

The surname Kitamura is predominantly found in Japan, where it is derived from the region of Kita-no-mura (meaning 'northern village'), and has been historically associated with the Taira clan. Over time, people bearing this name have migrated and dispersed across Japan. However, it is most frequently seen in the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures. Due to Japanese migration patterns, Kitamura can also be found in other Asian countries like South Korea and Taiwan, as well as in North America and other parts of the world where Japanese immigrants have settled. Notably, it ranks among the most common surnames in Japan, with an estimated 150,000 bearers according to some sources.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kitamura

The surname Kitamura has various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. The most common English spelling is Kitamura, which originates from Japan. It is derived from the Japanese characters 北村, meaning "north village." Other possible English variations include Kitatmura, Kitamaru, and Kita-Mura, although these are less common. In Romanization systems such as Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, and Nihon-shiki, the name may also be spelled as Kitamura, Kitamoru, or Kitatmora respectively. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on individual preference and context.

Famous people with the last name Kitamura

Notable individuals with the surname Kitamura include:

1. Akiko Kitamura (born 1974), a Japanese actress and former model who has appeared in various films, television dramas, and commercials.
2. Atsushi Kitamura (born 1965), a Japanese manga artist best known for his work on "Gantz" and "Demon Lord Dante."
3. Hideo Kitamura (born 1970), a Japanese professional wrestler who competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling under the ring name Giant Bernard.
4. Jun Kitamura (born 1962), a Japanese film director and screenwriter whose works include "The Mourning Forest" and "Tale of Tales."
5. Kenji Kitamura (born 1973), a Japanese mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
6. Risa Kitamura (born 1984), a Japanese actress and singer, known for her roles in "Doraemon: Nobita's Secret Gadget Museum" and "The Little House."
7. Tadashi Kitamura (1952-1987), a Japanese musician, songwriter, and record producer who was one of the pioneers of visual kei.
8. Yasushi Kitamura (born 1964), a Japanese animator, character designer, and game developer known for his work on "Appleseed," "Innocent Venus," and "Gurren Lagann."

Genealogical research on the last name Kitamura

The Kitamura surname is of Japanese origin and is commonly found among individuals with roots in Japan. Its meaning translates to "kitayama," which refers to a mountainous region or a high location in the northern part of Japan. Historically, it was a relatively uncommon name, but its frequency has increased over time due to migration and population growth.

One notable bearer of the Kitamura surname is Taro Kitamura, a renowned Japanese artist known for his works in sculpture and printmaking. Another prominent figure is Hiroshi Kitamura, a professor at the University of Southern California specializing in Asian American Studies.

The Kitamura lineage can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when many samurai families adopted surnames as part of social reforms during that era. However, researching one's exact ancestry within this extensive lineage may require specific documentation and genealogical resources, such as family registers or DNA testing for genetic genealogy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kitamura"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends