Last Name Nagata

The surname Nagata is of Japanese origin. It is derived from a place name, similar to many Asian surnames, and specifically originates from the region of Nagato in the western prefecture of Yamaguchi on the island of Honshu. Over time, individuals living in or hailing from this area adopted the name as their own when Japan began standardizing last names in the late 19th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nagata

The meaning and origin of the last name Nagata

The surname Nagata is of Japanese origin, derived from the place name Naga or Nagasaki. In Japanese, "nagaya" means 'long house' or 'village row', and "nagata" refers to the 'middle of a village'. The surname may have been given to individuals who lived in a central location within a village or who resided in a particularly long or prominent home. Over time, as families moved and populations grew, many Japanese adopted surnames for identification purposes. The Nagata surname is now widely dispersed across Japan but has its historical roots in the Kyushu region, especially Nagasaki Prefecture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nagata

The surname Nagata is predominantly Japanese in origin, with the majority of its occurrences found in Japan. According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, Nagata is ranked among the top 2,000 most common surnames in Japan, with a concentration particularly high in the Kansai region, including the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Additionally, there are also significant numbers of individuals with the surname Nagata in Hawaii, where the name has been adopted by Japanese immigrants and their descendants. Outside of these areas, occurrences of the surname Nagata are relatively rare.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nagata

The surname Nagata has several variations and spellings across different languages and regions. Some common variations include:

* Nagaata (with double "a")
* Nagatah (with a final "h")
* Nagatha (feminine form)
* Nagadou, Nagadoo (Japanese-style surname compounds)
* Nagatta (Italian spelling)
* Nagacca (Portuguese spelling)
* Nagataia (Brazilian Portuguese spelling)
* Nagaty (English phonetic spelling)
* Nagatov (Slavic spelling)
* Nagyota (Hungarian spelling)
* Nagadze (Georgian spelling)
* Nagada (Arabic spelling)
* Nagata-san, Nagata-kun (Japanese honorific titles)

It is important to note that the correct spelling of a given name can depend on factors such as regional dialect, historical context, and individual preference. To ensure accuracy, it is always best to consult with the person in question about their preferred spelling or pronunciation of their name.

Famous people with the last name Nagata

Notable individuals with the surname Nagata include:

1. Yuriko Nagata (1946-), a Japanese actress known for her roles in films such as "The Human Vapor" and "Battle Beyond the Stars".
2. Kazuya Nagata (1985-), a Japanese professional baseball player who plays for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League.
3. Keiko Nagata (1964-), a Japanese-born American physicist specializing in quantum field theory and string theory, currently serving as a professor at Rutgers University.
4. Taro Nagata (1978-), a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, and actor best known for his work in the band One Ok Rock.
5. Nobuyuki Nagata (1938-2022), a Japanese politician who served as the President of the House of Councillors from 2001 to 2004.
6. Toshihiro Nagata (1973-), a Japanese footballer who played as a midfielder for several J. League clubs, including Kashiwa Reysol and Vissel Kobe.

Genealogical research on the last name Nagata

The surname Nagata originates from Japan and is predominantly found within the Japanese diaspora. The name Nagata can be translated as "large field" or "open country," indicating an original residence near agricultural land. Historically, it was common for Japanese families to take on hereditary names based on their occupation, location, or other distinguishing factors. The Nagata family, like many others, migrated from Japan to various parts of the world due to economic, political, and social changes over centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Nagata can be found in multiple countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Peru, among others. Genealogical research suggests that the Nagata family lineage stretches back several hundred years in Japan and continues to grow as descendants migrate and establish new families abroad.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nagata"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends