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Last Name Kujou

What is the origin of the last name Kujou?

The last name Kujou is of Japanese origin. In Japanese, "Ku" means "Black" and "Jou" means "Castle," "Palace" or "Shrine." Therefore, the surname Kujou may refer to someone who lived near a black castle or shrine, or someone who worked at or owned a black castle or shrine.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Kujou

The meaning and origin of the last name Kujou

Kujou is a Japanese surname that originated from the noble Kujou family of Japan. The family's roots trace back to the Heian period (794-1185) when they served as powerful court nobles and influential leaders. The name Kujou can be broken down into two parts: "Ku" which means "nine" and "jou" which means "castle" or "palace." This suggests that the family may have resided near or served a ninth castle or palace within the region. The Kujou family was known for their involvement in politics, literature, and art, as well as their close ties to the imperial court. Today, the surname Kujou continues to be carried by descendants of the ancient noble family as well as individuals who may have adopted the name for various reasons.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kujou

The last name Kujou is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the Kansai region. The name Kujou has historic significance, as it is associated with the Kujou family, one of the five regent houses of Japan. Members of the Kujou family have played important roles in the Japanese political and cultural landscape throughout history. While Kujou is most commonly found in Japan, there are also individuals with this last name living in other countries, such as the United States and Brazil, due to migration and globalization. The surname Kujou is relatively rare compared to more common Japanese surnames, but it holds a special place in Japanese history and culture. The geographical distribution of the Kujou name reflects the family's legacy and influence in Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kujou

Kujou is a Japanese surname that can be spelled in various ways due to transliteration and phonetic differences in different languages. Some variations of the last name Kujou include Kujo, Kuzo, Kujow, and Kuji. These different spellings may result from romanization issues when converting Japanese characters to the Latin alphabet. Additionally, the name may be transliterated differently depending on regional dialects and pronunciation nuances. Despite these variations in spelling, the last name Kujou retains its cultural significance and ancestral roots. Whether spelled as Kujo or Kuzo, the name still carries the history and heritage of the individual or family bearing it.

Famous people with the last name Kujou

One famous person with the last name Kujou is Jotaro Kujou, a fictional character from the popular manga and anime series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure." Jotaro is a stoic and powerful Stand user who is known for his signature catchphrase "Yare yare daze," which roughly translates to "Good grief" in English. He is a fan-favorite character and has been featured in various video games, merchandise, and adaptations of the series. Another prominent figure with the last name Kujou is Yukina Kujou, a renowned Japanese voice actress best known for her work in various anime and video games. Yukina has lent her voice to characters in popular series such as "Love Live!" and "Final Fantasy XIV," showcasing her talent and versatility in the industry. Both Jotaro and Yukina Kujou have made significant contributions to their respective fields, earning them recognition and admiration from fans worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Kujou

The surname Kujou originates from Japan and is believed to have derived from the place name Kujou, which was located in the historical region of Iga. The Kujou clan was a prominent family during the Heian period and held important positions within the imperial court. The name Kujou can also be found in other regions of Japan, particularly in the Kansai area. Through genealogical research, it has been discovered that the Kujou family has produced many notable figures throughout history, including scholars, warriors, and politicians. Descendants of the Kujou clan have spread out across Japan and some have even immigrated to other countries, leading to a diverse range of individuals bearing the surname today. The Kujou surname continues to carry a sense of pride and heritage for those who bear it.

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 : 11 April 2025

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