Last Name Mikasa

The surname Mikasa does not have a clear origin that can be definitively traced to one specific region or ethnicity. However, it is known that Mikasa is a Japanese name and it has been associated with Imperial Japan. The name is often linked to the Mikasa City in Hokkaido, Japan, which was named after the battleship Mikasaho, built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1892. It's also the name of the gift shop at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. As a surname, it is less common and may not be widely distributed among the general population in Japan. It's possible that individuals bearing this surname adopted it for various reasons, such as personal preference or historical association.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mikasa

The meaning and origin of the last name Mikasa

The surname Mikasa is of Japanese origin, derived from a place name rather than a personal name. It refers to the town of Mikasa located in the Hokkaido prefecture, Japan. In Japanese, the characters for Mikasa (三笠) translate to "three hats" or "three umbrellas," which are thought to represent the shape of Mount Yotei, a dormant volcano near the town. The surname Mikasa is relatively uncommon compared to other Japanese surnames but has been adopted by several notable individuals such as Yuriko Koike, a prominent Japanese politician, and Rei Ayanami, a fictional character from the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mikasa

The surname Mikasa is predominantly found in Japan, originating from Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the country. Its distribution within Japan suggests that it may be more concentrated in Sapporo and its surrounding areas, where the Mikasa city is located. Historically, the name is associated with the Mikasa Imperial Family, who have contributed significantly to the Japanese imperial household. Outside Japan, there are also pockets of people with the last name Mikasa in other countries with a substantial Japanese diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. However, its occurrence is much less frequent compared to within Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mikasa

The surname Mikasa has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration from Japanese and changes over time. Some common variations include: Mikasa, Mikasah, Mikasawa, Mikasawah, Mikazaki, Mikazakih, Mikasa-koji, Mikasa-kojigh, Mikazawa, Mikazawah, and Mikazaki-koji. These variations may arise from regional dialects, individual preferences, or errors in transcribing the name into English. However, it's important to note that the original Japanese pronunciation of the surname is "Mikasa," which is written as 三笠 in Kanji characters.

Famous people with the last name Mikasa

The Mikasa surname is relatively uncommon and primarily associated with Japan due to its origin as a place name meaning "three seas." However, it has been adopted by individuals in various fields worldwide. One of the most recognized figures with this last name is Hanae Mikasa, a renowned Japanese voice actress known for her roles in popular anime series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Princess Mononoke. In literature, Banana Yoshimoto, born Yoshimoto Mahoko but often referred to by the pen name Mikasa Banana, is a celebrated contemporary Japanese novelist famous for works like Kitchen and The Laughing Salesman. Additionally, Mikasa Aoki is a fictional character from the manga and anime Attack on Titan, named after the Japanese battleship Mikasa.

Genealogical research on the last name Mikasa

The Mikasa surname originates from Japan and is associated with the imperial family, particularly renowned for its connection to the Mikasa Palace and the Imperial Crown Prince Akihito. Historically, the Mikasa name is a place name derived from the town Mikasa in Hokkaido prefecture, where the first Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito was born. The name gained prominence in Japan's Meiji period (1868-1912) and later spread globally through various immigration waves. Notable bearers of the Mikasa surname include Yuriko Mikasa, a Japanese actress, and the Mikasa family of American football, who were early investors in the San Francisco 49ers. The name has since become a common Japanese surname, with variations such as Mika and Miki, and is found worldwide among individuals of Japanese descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mikasa"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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