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Last Name Nakata

What is the origin of the last name Nakata?

The surname Nakata has its origins in Japan. It is a variant of the Japanese surname Nakazato, which is derived from places named Nakatsato, meaning "middle-village," found in the Hyogo and Kagawa prefectures. Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Nakata due to regional dialects and family lineage differences. The name Nakata can also be found among Japanese Americans who emigrated from Japan to other countries, including the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nakata

The meaning and origin of the last name Nakata

The surname Nakata is of Japanese origin, derived from the Japanese word "naka" which means 'inside' or 'interior', and "ata" which means 'field' or 'farm'. As such, Nakata can be interpreted as 'the one from the inner field' or 'the one from the interior farm'. This surname is particularly common in Japan and is often associated with individuals who once lived near an agricultural area within a larger settlement. The Nakata family name, like many Japanese surnames, was traditionally passed down patrilineally, from father to son. Its popularity and distribution among the Japanese population reflect the historical settlement patterns and agrarian society of Japan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nakata

The Nakata surname is primarily concentrated in Japan, being one of the common surnames originating from that country. According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of 2020, approximately 87,394 individuals in Japan bear the Nakata name. It is most prevalent in the prefectures of Miyagi, Fukuoka, Saga, and Hiroshima. Outside of Japan, the Nakata surname can also be found among Japanese diaspora communities, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Peru, United States, Canada, and Australia. The distribution of the Nakata name reflects the historical migration patterns of Japanese people and their subsequent settlement in various regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nakata

The surname Nakata has several variations and spellings. The most common spelling is Nakata, which is pronounced as 'Nah-kah-tah' in Japanese. However, it can also be found spelled as Nacotta or Nakota in some English contexts, due to the phonetic translation of the original name. Another variation includes Nakatomi, often associated with the fictional Nakatomi Plaza from the movie Die Hard. Additionally, there are regional differences within Japan where the name might be written differently. For instance, in the Kansai region, the name can be spelled as Naka-ta or Na-ka-ta due to local dialects and writing styles. Overall, while Nakata is the standard English spelling, variations may exist depending on context or regional differences.

Famous people with the last name Nakata

Hidetoshi Nakata is one of the most renowned individuals with the surname Nakata. A former professional footballer, he played as an attacking midfielder and winger, primarily for Perugia and Parma in Italy's Serie A, as well as the Japanese national team. Born in 1975, Nakata started his professional career with Yokohama Flügels in 1992, before moving to Europe in 1997. He is credited for popularizing football in Japan and was a key player during the country's first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Another notable Nakata is Ayumi Hamasaki, a famous Japanese singer-songwriter, model, and actress. Born in 1978, she is often referred to as the "Empress of J-pop" for her significant influence on the Japanese music industry since her debut in 1998. Her career spans multiple genres, including pop, ballad, R&B, trance, and techno. Both Nakata and Hamasaki have left lasting impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Nakata

The surname Nakata originates from Japan and is of Japanese ethnicity. It is derived from the Chinese characters "中" (naka) meaning "middle" or "inner" and "田" (ta) meaning "field" or "rice paddy". Historically, the name Nakata was often given to individuals who lived in the middle of a rice farming region. The Nakata family is believed to have originated from the Tosa Province, present-day Kochi Prefecture, during Japan's feudal period (1185-1603). Notable members of the Nakata family include Hiroshi Nakata, a former Japanese professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund and the Japanese national team, and Miki Nakatani, a Japanese actress known for her work in both Japan and Hollywood. The Nakata family's genealogy remains a rich part of Japanese history and culture, with numerous branches spreading across Japan and abroad.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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