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Last Name Kosaka

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What is the origin of the last name Kosaka?

The surname Kosaka is of Japanese origin. It is a relatively common surname in Japan and is written using two characters, 小坂, which can be literally translated as "small slope" or "little hill". This surname is found primarily among the inhabitants of the Tohoku region on the northern island of Honshu, particularly in the prefecture of Iwate. The name may have originated from a physical feature such as a small hill or slope that was significant to an early ancestor of the family.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kosaka

The surname Kosaka is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Ryukyuan language group, which is indigenous to the Ryukyu Islands (now Okinawa). In this native language, "Kosaka" translates to "small valley" or "valley corner". This surname, like many others in Japan, was historically linked to a specific geographical location. The name became more widespread when the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan in the late 19th century and its inhabitants were integrated into the main Japanese population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kosaka

The surname Kosaka is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures such as Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and Ibaraki. It is also notable in the Kansai region, specifically in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefecture. The name Kosaka has a lower frequency but can be found sparsely in other parts of Japan. Outside of Japan, the distribution becomes minimal. In the United States, the Kosaka surname is mainly concentrated in Hawaii due to Japanese immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, there are small populations of individuals with the Kosaka surname primarily found in British Columbia and Ontario.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kosaka

The surname Kosaka has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration from Japanese to English. Some common versions include: Kosaka, Kozaka, Kozaaka, Kousaka, Koosaka, Kosaika, and Kouzaka. These variations may arise from minor changes in pronunciation or spelling conventions between different regions, dialects, or historical periods in Japan. Furthermore, surnames can also be written with different kanji characters in Japan, leading to additional variations such as 小坂 (Ko-saka), 古坂 (Koku-saka), and 甲榻 (Kou-zaka). It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a Japanese surname can depend on various factors, including the individual's region of origin or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Kosaka

The Kosaka family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Perhaps the most renowned is Jirō Kosaka (1928-1999), a Japanese manga artist and author, best known for his work "Osomatsu-kun," one of the longest-running manga series in Japan. Another prominent member is Yūko Kosaka, a Japanese actress born in 1965. She rose to fame after winning the Miss Universe Japan title in 1987 and later competing in the Miss Universe pageant the same year. In sports, Kenji Kosaka (born 1976) is a former professional tennis player from Japan, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 34 in 2005. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements associated with the Kosaka name.

Genealogical research on the last name Kosaka

The Kosaka surname is of Japanese origin and belongs to one of the numerous clan names in Japan. Historically, the Kosaka clan was an influential samurai family during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), serving under various powerful daimyos such as the Hatakeyama and the Ashikaga shoguns. The family originated from Kosaka-mura in present-day Nagano Prefecture, where they were vassals of the local lord. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the family continued to play a significant role in regional politics. Today, the Kosaka name is widely dispersed across Japan due to its long history and the traditional naming practices of the country. As with many Japanese surnames, it can be written using different kanji characters, leading to variations in spelling among individuals carrying this name.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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