NomOrigine Background

Last Name Koji

What is the origin of the last name Koji?

The surname Koji is of Japanese origin and comes from a variety of sources. One possible origin is that it is derived from a personal name Kouji or Kohji, which means "archer" or "auspicious" in Japanese. Another possibility is that it is a place name, referring to the village of Koji in Iwate Prefecture in Japan. Additionally, it could also be an occupational surname for someone who was involved in making sake (rice wine), as the character for "koji" in Japanese can mean "fermented rice mash." However, the exact origin and meaning of the name Koji may vary depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Koji

The meaning and origin of the last name Koji

The surname Koji is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Okinawan dialect. It derives from the character 小路, which means "small road" or "lane." This name was originally used as a topographical name, indicating that the first bearer lived near a small road or path. Over time, it has become a common surname in Japan and is now found among Japanese communities worldwide. In the United States, for instance, Koji is ranked as one of the most popular Japanese surnames according to census data.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koji

The surname Koji is primarily of Japanese origin and has a significant presence within Japan, reflecting its cultural and historical roots. It belongs to the class of surnames known as "semei," which were traditionally occupation-based or descriptive names. In Japan, Koji can be found in various prefectures, with some concentration in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. Beyond Japan, the distribution of this name is relatively low, but there are communities with Japanese ancestry outside of Japan where the name might appear, such as Brazil, Peru, Canada, and the United States, particularly along coastal regions with significant historical Japanese immigration. It's important to note that the prevalence of any surname can vary widely depending on specific geographic areas and populations within those countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koji

The surname Koji has several variations and spellings across different languages and cultures. In English, it can be spelled as Koji, Kouji, or Kouchi. These variations arise due to differences in pronunciation interpretation, regional dialects, and transliteration from other languages. For instance, in Japanese, the name Koji (コウジ) is written with the kanji characters こうじ, which means "young sapling" or "infant." However, it's also possible to find variations such as Goujy or Koju, particularly when transcribed from non-Japanese languages like French, Italian, or Russian. Additionally, some individuals may anglicize the name further to Koge or Koze, especially when adopting a new nationality and wishing to simplify their Japanese name for use in an English-speaking environment.

Famous people with the last name Koji

Koji Nakamura is a prominent Japanese professional poker player who has won several international tournaments and accumulated millions in career earnings. Born in 1982, he was the first Asian player to win a World Poker Tour event, which he achieved at the Five Diamond World Poker Classic in 2007. Koji Kojima is another renowned individual with the surname Koji. He is a Japanese politician who served as Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology from 2014 to 2015. Kojima is also known for his work in the video game industry, particularly for his roles in creating popular characters such as Master Chief in the Halo series and Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid games. Lastly, Koji Igarashi, often referred to as "Iga," is a prominent Japanese video game developer, best known for his work on the Castlevania series. Igarashi has created numerous beloved titles within the franchise and is considered a significant figure in the video game industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Koji

The surname Koji originates from Japan and is believed to have roots in various regions across the country. One significant interpretation suggests that the name originated as a topographic name, derived from the Japanese term "kō" meaning shell or pebble, and "ji," a character indicating place or village. Another hypothesis associates it with personal names, such as Koujirou, which later evolved into Koji as a surname. Historically, some notable individuals bearing the Koji name include Motoaki Koji, a renowned Japanese historian, and Masami Koji, an accomplished manga artist known for his work on Astro Boy. The name has also been recorded among the Japanese immigrant community in Brazil, reflecting its dispersal beyond Japan's borders.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 31 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Kojakian (Last name)

surnames > kojakian

The last name Kojakian likely originates from Armenia. It is a surname of Armenian origin, derived from the Armenian given name "Kojo" or "Koja," which means "brave" or "courageous...

Kojan (Last name)

surnames > kojan

The last name "Kojan" is believed to have originated from either Russia or Ukraine. It is derived from the Russian and Ukrainian word "коян" or "koian," which means "bark" or "...

Kojatanga (Last name)

surnames > kojatanga

The last name "Kojatanga" has its origins in Africa, specifically among the various tribal populations in regions of countries like Nigeria and Ghana. The name is believed to be of...

Kojgf (Last name)

surnames > kojgf

No data available.

Kojima (Last name)

surnames > kojima

The surname Kojima is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the combination of the kanji characters for "small" (ko) and "island" (shima), indicating someone who comes from a smal...

Kojori (Last name)

surnames > kojori

The last name Kojori likely originates from the village of Kojor in Georgia. It is a Georgian surname, indicating that the bearer either hails from the village of Kojor or has ance...

Kojuk (Last name)

surnames > kojuk

The surname "Kojuk" originates from the Korean language and is a possible variant of the surname "Goh" which means "high" or "tall". It is a relatively rare surname in Korea.