Last Name Murata

The surname "Murata" is Japanese and derives from two possible origins. One theory suggests it comes from the Old Japanese word "mura," meaning village or settlement, combined with the suffix "-ta," indicating that someone lived in or came from such a place. Another theory posits that the name is derived from "muradate," which means a fortified gate or a small castle built as a defense at a mountain pass. Therefore, a person named Murata may have either resided in a village or come from an area with defensive structures like gates or castles. The exact origin of the surname Murata for any specific individual cannot be definitively determined without more information about their family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Murata

The meaning and origin of the last name Murata

The surname Murata is of Japanese origin and has roots in the island nation's history. It derives from the word "muraji" or "mura-gata," which translates to "village head" or "village elder" in English. Over time, this title was passed down through generations, becoming a hereditary surname for those who held these roles. The name is most prevalent on the island of Kyushu and the surrounding region. In the Edo period (1603-1868), when Japan's social structure was defined by strict hierarchies, the Murata family would have likely played significant roles in local governance or agriculture. As with many Japanese surnames, there is no single family from which all people with the name are descended; instead, it represents a group of unrelated families who share a common place or occupation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Murata

The surname Murata is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region and specifically in the prefecture of Tokyo, where it originates from. Historically, the Murata clan was one of the five great samurai clans that served the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. However, the name is now widely distributed across Japan due to population migration and growth over time. Outside of Japan, there are significant numbers of people with the surname Murata in Brazil, particularly in the state of São Paulo, as a result of Japanese immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller populations can also be found in countries such as Peru, the United States, Canada, and Australia, mostly due to post-World War II migration waves from Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Murata

The surname Murata can be spelled and varied in several ways, depending on regional pronunciation and transliteration conventions. Some common variations include Muratah, Muratha, Murathah, Murattah, Muratta, Murattha, Muradta, Morada, Mouradah, Mouarra, Moorata, and many more. The original Japanese pronunciation of the name is 村田, which is read as "Mura-ta" in modern standard Japanese. In the old Kun'yomi reading system, it was pronounced as "Watanabe," reflecting its earlier origin as a combination of the characters for rice field (稲) and flat land (平). Over time, it evolved into the current form, which retains the original meaning of rice field. However, due to historical and cultural influences, variations in spelling and pronunciation have developed in different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Murata

Yukiko Murata, a prominent Japanese manga artist, is best known for her work "Kick-Heart" and "Parasyte -the maxim-", which won several awards, including the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. Born in Tokyo in 1978, she made her debut in 1996 with the manga "Chi no Wadachi". Murata is celebrated for her distinct art style and intricate storytelling, especially in her darker works.

Shin'ichirō Tomonaga, a Nobel laureate in Physics, was another notable figure with the surname Murata. Born in Osaka, Japan in 1906, he made significant contributions to quantum electrodynamics and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on the interaction between light and matter.

These two individuals, Yukiko and Shin'ichirō, have made their mark in different realms - one in the world of manga and animation, and the other in the field of physics - demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of those bearing the Murata surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Murata

The Murata surname originates from Japan, specifically the Tosa Province, where it is among the most common family names. Historically, the Murata clan was one of the five great retainers of the Tosa domain during the Edo period (1603-1868). The name "Murata" can be traced back to the Murasaki (purple) color that many members of this clan wore. Over time, the surname has spread across Japan and migrated overseas with Japanese immigrants, establishing significant populations in Brazil, Peru, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Murata family often includes tracing ancestry through traditional Japanese records like koseki (family registers) and kazoku shiryo (genealogical materials). In recent years, online resources have become increasingly important for genealogical research, allowing individuals to connect with extended family members and build a more comprehensive understanding of their Murata lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Murata"
• 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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