Last Name Kuroda

The surname Kuroda (黒田) is Japanese and originates from the region of Japan known as Hyūga in modern-day Miyazaki Prefecture. It is a place name surname, where the family lived in or near the Kuroda (black rice field) area. This name appears in many historical records dating back to the Heian Period (794 - 1185), suggesting it is an old and established clan within Japanese society. The Kuroda family played significant roles during the Sengoku period (1467-1603), where they were one of the powerful regional clans that fought for control over Japan, before unifying under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuroda

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuroda

The surname Kuroda is of Japanese origin and derives from the ancient samurai clan known as the Kuroda family (黒田氏) in Japan's feudal period. The name translates to "black rice field" or "black earth field," reflecting its agricultural origins. Originally, it was believed that a member of this clan discovered a patch of rich, dark soil in a rice paddy, leading him to name his family and lands after it. The Kuroda family rose to prominence during the Sengoku period (1469-1573) when they controlled numerous territories in present-day Kyushu and Shikoku islands. Renowned members of the Kuroda clan include Kuroda Nagamasa, a key general who supported Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the unification of Japan, and Kuroda Josui, a distinguished samurai who served under Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Battle of Sekigahara. Today, the name remains common among Japanese people, with variations such as Kurotaki (黒滝) and Kurobe (黒部).

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuroda

The surname Kuroda is predominantly found in Japan and is historically associated with the Kuroda clan, one of the five great daimyō families during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) and the Edo period (1603-1868). The Kuroda clan originated from the Tango province in western Honshu, present-day Kyoto Prefecture. Today, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Kuroda can still be found in this region. However, due to historical events such as migration and resettlement, significant numbers of people with the last name Kuroda are also found in neighboring prefectures like Fukuoka, Saga, and Oita in Kyushu, as well as Nagasaki and Hyogo Prefecture on Honshu. There is a notable presence of the Kuroda family in Tokyo, as members of the clan played important roles in Edo period politics and have left descendants in modern-day Japan's capital city.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuroda

The surname Kuroda has several variants and spellings due to differences in romanization systems used for Japanese names over time. Some common variations include Kuroda, Kurodah, Kurodh, Kourouda, and Curoda, among others. These differences arise from the historical use of multiple systems such as Wade-Giles (K'uo-ta), Hepburn (Kurōda), and Nihon-shiki (クロダ) for transcribing Japanese names into the Latin alphabet. It is essential to note that the correct spelling may depend on the historical era, region, or personal preference of the individual bearing the name. Additionally, some individuals may choose to use a Westernized version of their name in an effort to assimilate or make it easier for others to pronounce and remember.

Famous people with the last name Kuroda

Notable individuals with the surname Kuroda include:

1. Kuroda Nagamasa (1568-1604) - A daimyo (feudal lord) of the Sengoku period in Japan, known for his strategic skill and alliances that led to unification under the Tokugawa shogunate.
2. Kuroda Kiyotaka (1840-1900) - A high-ranking samurai and statesman of the Edo Period, serving as a key figure in the Meiji Restoration and the formation of modern Japan's governmental structure.
3. Kuroda Mansaku (1884-1960) - A Japanese film director and screenwriter who is considered one of the founders of the Nikkatsu studio and contributed significantly to the development of Japanese cinema.
4. Kuroda Denshichirō (1887-1952) - A general in the Imperial Japanese Army, serving as a key figure during the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and the Siberian Intervention.
5. Kuroda Seiki (1866-1924) - A Japanese painter known for his contributions to modern Western-style painting in Japan, considered one of the leading figures of the Yokohama school.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuroda

The surname Kuroda traces back to medieval Japan and originated from the ancient province of Harima, present-day Hyogo Prefecture. The first known bearer was Kuroda Sadamoto (?–645), a member of the Japanese Soga clan. Over the centuries, the Kuroda family expanded their power base and were instrumental in several significant events in Japanese history. One notable figure is Kuroda Nagamasa (1568-1604), who played a crucial role during the Azuchi-Momoyama period as a general under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The family line was further ennobled by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo bakufu (Tokugawa shogunate). During the Meiji Restoration, the Kuroda family continued to serve in high positions within the imperial court and Japanese government. Today, various branches of the Kuroda family reside throughout Japan, maintaining their rich heritage and traditions while contributing to modern society in diverse fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuroda"
• 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 June 2025

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