Last Name Mikami

The surname Mikami (三上) is a Japanese surname that originates from the kanji characters "Mi" (三), which means three, and "Kami" (上), which means upper or high. This surname was originally a geographical name for someone who lived on the third or upper ridge of a mountainous area in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The practice of taking surnames based on one's location or occupation was common among the Japanese population during that time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mikami

The meaning and origin of the last name Mikami

The surname Mikami originates from Japan. It is derived from the Japanese language, specifically from the word "mikami," which means "bright shrine." This name could have been given to someone who lived near a bright or important shrine, or it may have been a religious title. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms such as Mikami, Mikaumi, and Miyakami. The surname is not uncommon in Japan, with various branches and spellings throughout the country. It is part of the rich cultural heritage and history of Japan's naming traditions, which are based on a complex system of patronymics and topography.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mikami

The last name Mikami is predominantly distributed across Japan, with a significant concentration on the main island of Honshu, particularly in the Kanto region including Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures. It is also commonly found in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kansai, and Kyushu regions. The name originated from the Mikawa province, which is now part of present-day Aichi Prefecture. In addition to Japan, the last name Mikami can be found among the Japanese diaspora in various countries such as Brazil, Peru, the United States, Canada, and Hawaii. The migration of individuals with the Mikami surname has resulted in the establishment of small communities in these locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mikami

The surname Mikami has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription between Japanese and English phonetics. Some common versions include:

1. Mikami: This is the most direct transliteration from Japanese to English.
2. Mikaumi: Another possible spelling, although less common.
3. Mykami: An alternative spelling that uses Western phonetic conventions for the "i" and "y" sounds in Japanese.
4. Mikamie: This version includes the macron ( ̄ ) over the "i", which is sometimes used to indicate a long vowel sound, but it's not always included in English transliterations of Japanese names.
5. Mikaime or Mykaime: Variations with the inclusion of an "e" at the end, which could be due to English conventions for adding a suffix to surnames.

Famous people with the last name Mikami

Notable individuals with the surname Mikami include:

1. Keiji Mikami (b. 1967), a Japanese video game designer and producer known for his work on various Resident Evil games.
2. Shinya Mikami (b. 1965), also a Japanese video game designer, considered a pioneer in the survival horror genre with the creation of Resident Evil.
3. Tatsuo Mikami (1941-2017), a renowned Japanese physicist who made significant contributions to superconductivity research and won numerous awards for his work.
4. Kiyoshi Mikami (b. 1948), a distinguished Japanese molecular biologist known for his discoveries in gene regulation, DNA replication, and cell cycle control.
5. Masahiko Mikami (b. 1960), a Japanese musician who is the lead guitarist of the rock band Boøwy. He has released several solo albums and collaborated with various artists.

Genealogical research on the last name Mikami

The Mikami surname originates from Japan and is found predominantly among people of Japanese ancestry. Its meaning is often associated with "bright" or "shining" in various Japanese dialects. Historically, the Mikami family can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868) when the name was found in regions such as Tosa Province, present-day Kochi Prefecture. The Mikamis were traditionally farmers, artisans, and merchants, reflecting the diverse occupations of Japan's feudal society during that time. Notable individuals bearing the Mikami surname include Mikami Sanjiro (1859-1937), a politician who served as a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, and Mikami Yoshitaka (born 1963), a renowned manga artist known for his work on Dragon Ball Z. Today, Mikamis can be found worldwide, with significant populations in Japan, the United States, Brazil, and other countries with a history of Japanese immigration. Genealogical research into the Mikami family continues to reveal more about their history, traditions, and contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mikami"
• 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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