The surname Makoto is of Japanese origin and means "sincere" or "honest" in Japanese. It is a common surname in Japan and can be written with different kanji characters. One possible way to write it is 誠, which consists of the kanji characters for 'truth' (真) and 'heart' (心). Another possible way to write it is 誠夫, which consists of the same kanji characters for 'truth' (真) and 'man' or 'husband' (夫). The use of different kanji characters can sometimes indicate different family lineages or regions of origin.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Makoto
The meaning and origin of the last name Makoto
The surname Makoto is of Japanese origin, derived from the word "まかと" which means sincerity or honesty in Japanese. It is a unisex name, although more commonly used as a male surname. The name is not traditionally associated with any specific region in Japan and can be found throughout the country. As a personal name, Makoto has been used since ancient times in Japan, where it was given to children born during periods of peace and prosperity to reflect the virtuous qualities hoped for in their future. In modern usage, the surname Makoto may reflect the values of truthfulness and integrity held dear by its bearers.
Geographical distribution of the last name Makoto
Makoto is a Japanese surname and it is predominantly found in Japan, where it is one of the most common surnames. According to data from the Japan Family Names Database, Makoto ranks among the top 300 most common family names in Japan, with approximately 80,000 bearers as of 2017. Outside of Japan, there are small communities of individuals with the last name Makoto in various countries with significant Japanese diaspora populations, such as Brazil, Peru, and the United States. However, it is not a widespread surname globally and its occurrence outside of Japan is relatively rare.
Variants and spellings of the last name Makoto
Makoto is a Japanese given name that means "true" or "honest". When used as a surname, there may be various spellings due to differences in romanization systems and personal preferences. Some common variations of the surname Makoto include:
1. Makoto (using the Hepburn romanization system)
2. Makotoo (using the older Nihon-shiki system)
3. Makotō (using the Kunrei-shiki system)
4. Makoto (using the revised Hepburn system, where long vowels are not written)
5. Makotoo, Makotō, and Makoto (with a macron over the 'o', indicating a long vowel, for those who wish to represent long vowels in writing)
It's also worth noting that some people may choose to add a family name prefix such as O- or K- before their surname. For example, O-Makoto and K-Makoto are possible variations of the surname Makoto.
Famous people with the last name Makoto
Makoto is a Japanese surname that has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the most prominent figures with this name is Makoto Shinkai, a renowned Japanese animation director, screenwriter, and author best known for his works such as "Your Name" and "Weathering With You". His movies have garnered international acclaim for their unique storytelling and emotional depth. Another significant figure is Makoto Fujiwara, a Japanese architect who co-founded the architecture firm SANAA with Sejima Kazuyo. They won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010 for their collaborative work on projects like the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Lastly, Makoto Hasebe is a former Japanese footballer who played as a midfielder for several professional clubs and earned over 90 caps for the Japan national team. His impressive career spanned more than two decades, and he was part of the squad that won the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.
Genealogical research on the last name Makoto
The Makoto surname is of Japanese origin and can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The name, which translates to 'hope' or 'expectation', is relatively common in Japan due to its positive connotations. During the Meiji Restoration in 1868, many Japanese families adopted Western-style surnames as part of modernization efforts, and some may have chosen Makoto as a result. The Makoto family crest, known as a mon (紋), is typically represented by a cherry blossom branch, symbolizing renewal and the transient nature of life. Notable bearers of this surname include Masahiro Makoto, a former member of the Japanese Diet, and Yuki Makoto, a manga artist famous for creating the series "Solanin".
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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