Last Name Masuda

The surname "Masuda" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from two Kanji characters, which can be translated as "flat" (ます) and "field" (田), respectively. In English, it can be written as Masuda. This surname is relatively common in Japan, particularly among the Masuda clan, which was one of the five great samurai clans of the Satsuma domain during the Edo period. However, it should be noted that the exact origin and history of a particular family with this surname may vary, as family names in Japan were often adopted based on local customs rather than being passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Masuda

The meaning and origin of the last name Masuda

The surname Masuda is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa, Japan). It's derived from the word "masu-da," which means "rice field" or "place of rice paddies." In Japanese, the characters for Masuda can be written as 増田, where "masu" (増) means 'to grow' and "da" (田) refers to a field or paddy. The name may have been given to someone who lived near or managed rice fields, reflecting the importance of agriculture in feudal Japan. It's one of several Japanese surnames with agricultural origins. As the Ryukyu Kingdom was under the rule of the Satsuma domain (present-day Kagoshima) during the Edo period, many Ryukyuan families adopted Japanese surnames, and Masuda is one such example.

Geographical distribution of the last name Masuda

The last name Masuda is primarily found in Japan, where it originates from the island of Honshu, particularly in the region of Kanto, which includes Tokyo and Yokohama. It is also prevalent in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, as well as in the prefectures of Aichi and Shizuoka, located in central Honshu. The Masuda surname can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868) and is associated with various samurai clans. As Japanese immigrants have dispersed around the world, the Masuda surname can now also be found in countries such as Brazil, Peru, the United States, Canada, and other regions with significant Japanese diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Masuda

The surname Masuda has multiple variations and spellings due to transliteration from Japanese characters into Roman script. Here are some common forms:

* Masuda: This is the most common spelling, directly derived from the original Japanese characters (増田).
* Massuda: Another variant with a slight change in the spelling of the second syllable.
* Matsuda: A different pronunciation of the same surname, changing "Masu" (増) to "Matsu" (松), which sounds more like "Massuda".
* Masutada: Another possible variation due to differences in transliteration or transcription.
* Mashoda: A less common spelling that could be found in some cases, although it is not typically associated with the Masuda surname.
* Masooda: A variant that may have originated as a mistake, confusion, or intentional change from people of Japanese descent who may have anglicized their name or wished to blend into other cultures.

Ultimately, the correct spelling may depend on individual preference, cultural background, or historical record. It is always important to consider the context and origin of names when analyzing variations.

Famous people with the last name Masuda

Masuda is a Japanese surname that has produced several notable individuals across various fields. The most renowned among them is Shigetoshi Masuda, a pioneer in the field of electronics and co-founder of Sega Enterprises, one of the world's largest video game companies. In the realm of science, Kenji Masuda is a prominent researcher who focuses on marine biology and climate change, particularly ocean acidification and its impact on coral reefs. Masayuki Masuda is another notable figure, an accomplished pianist who has performed worldwide and won numerous awards. In the world of entertainment, Rina Masuda is a popular Japanese actress and model known for her roles in drama series such as "Watashitachi wa Ditto Desu" and "Asa ga Kuru." These individuals, along with others sharing the Masuda surname, have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Masuda

The Masuda surname originates from Japan and is derived from the place name Masuda in Shimane Prefecture. The Masuda clan was one of the five great samurai families of Izumo Province during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Over time, various branches of the Masuda family expanded to other regions within Japan, such as Hiroshima and Tokyo. Some members of the Masuda clan were involved in politics and held positions of power, while others excelled in fields like literature and art. The Masuda name is also found among Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii, Brazil, Peru, and other parts of the Americas, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Masuda family name continues to be widely distributed across Japan and throughout the diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Masuda"
• 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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