Last Name Mikari

The surname Mikari is not widely recognized as having a clear or specific origins that are universally agreed upon in genealogical research. However, it is possible that it could originate from several sources due to similarities with other Japanese and Finnish surnames. 1. Japanese origin: Mikari might be derived from the Japanese word "mikari" meaning "shining" or "bright." In Japan, many surnames were traditionally given based on a person's occupation, geographical location, or personal characteristics. However, it is essential to note that this is just one possible origin and without specific historical records, it cannot be confirmed definitively. 2. Finnish origin: Mikari might also have roots in Finland as a variant of the surname Mikkola, which translates to "mikki's field." The name Mikki is a diminutive form of the male given name Mikael or Michael. Similarly, it is impossible to confirm this Finnish origin without further genealogical research and documentation. Given these possible origins, it is recommended that individuals with the last name Mikari conduct research into their family history to determine more accurately where and when their surname first appeared and whether there are any specific connections to Japan or Finland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mikari

The meaning and origin of the last name Mikari

The surname Mikari is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Okinawan dialect. It is derived from the given name Mikio, which means "beautiful child" or "gift of the gods." In Japan, the practice of taking the first syllable of a person's name and adding the suffix '-raru' or '-ryuu' to create a surname is common. In the case of Mikari, it could evolve from Mikio-ryuu. The use of such surnames is more prevalent in Okinawa compared to other parts of Japan. Over time, as Japanese immigrants dispersed around the world, variations of this name, such as Mikary or Mykary, may have emerged due to phonetic adaptations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mikari

The surname Mikari has its origins in Japan and is primarily distributed within that country. In Japan, it's most prevalent in regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai. This surname's distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of the Japanese population. Mikari is a relatively uncommon name compared to other Japanese surnames, but it can still be found in significant concentrations in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Outside of Japan, the name is rarely encountered, with only a handful of individuals carrying this surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, where Japanese immigrants have settled over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mikari

The surname Mikari can be spelled with various minor variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration. Here are some common variants:

* Mikary
* Mykari
* Mikaari
* Mihkari
* Miyakari
* Mykarry
* Mikarry

These variations can occur when names are transcribed from one language to another, or when they are entered into databases with different typing conventions. It is important to note that while these variations may seem significant, they are generally considered to be the same surname. In genealogical research, it is common for researchers to look for these types of variations when trying to trace family history.

Famous people with the last name Mikari

Mikuni Shimokawa and Mitsuo Miura are two notable individuals with the surname Mikari. Mikuni Shimokawa is a Japanese actress who has had an illustrious career, spanning over six decades. She gained fame for her roles in films such as "Godzilla" (1954), "The Hidden Fortress" (1958) directed by Akira Kurosawa, and "Harakiri" (1962). Shimokawa has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Japanese Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Mitsuo Miura, on the other hand, is a renowned manga artist from Japan. He created the popular manga series "Gegege no Kitaro," which was first published in 1960 and has since become one of the longest-running manga series in Japan. The series revolves around a spirit boy named Kitaro and his ghostly friends, exploring supernatural themes and Japanese folklore. Miura's work has been adapted into various anime and live-action television shows, films, video games, and stage plays.

Genealogical research on the last name Mikari

The Mikari surname is primarily of Japanese origin and is derived from the place-name "Mikawa" or "Mikami," located in the Aichi Prefecture on the island of Honshu. It is believed that the name was originally a topographical one, referring to someone who lived near a river bend (miki) or a shrine (hari). The Mikari family can be traced back to the 16th century during the Edo period, with prominent members serving in various roles such as samurais and scholars. In modern times, the Mikari family has dispersed globally due to immigration, and variations of the name include Mikariya, Mikarino, and Mikara. Notable individuals with this surname include Japanese musician Hideki Mikari and American football player Kawika Mitchell-Mikari.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mikari"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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