Last Name Oguri

The surname Oguri is of Japanese origin. It belongs to a category of Japanese surnames known as "jōyū shi" which means common surnames that are not part of any particular clan or family lineage and were adopted by people throughout Japan. The Oguri surname is believed to have originated from the ancient province of Musashi (present-day Tokyo), particularly the area around the city of Fuchu, during the Heian period (794-1185). According to tradition, one of the founding members of the Minamoto clan was a man named Minamoto no Yorimitsu. His mother was said to be from the Oguri family. Over time, some individuals adopted the Oguri name as their surname. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Oguri family held important political positions and were known for their contributions in literature, arts, and government service. Today, it remains a common surname in Japan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oguri

The meaning and origin of the last name Oguri

The surname Oguri is a Japanese name with origins rooted in Japan's history. It belongs to the category of surnames known as "shi-no" or "clan names," which were traditionally assigned to samurai families based on their affiliations to specific lords or regions during the feudal period. The Oguri clan was one of the powerful clans during the Heian and Kamakura periods (794-1333). They originated from the province of Musashi (now Tokyo) and were known for their involvement in politics, warfare, and Buddhism. Over time, the name Oguri has been carried by numerous individuals and families and has become a common surname in Japan today. It is pronounced as 'Oh-goo-ree' and is often romanized in various ways, including Ogura or Ōgūri.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oguri

The surname Oguri is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, which includes the capital Tokyo and surrounding prefectures such as Saitama, Chiba, and Gunma. Historically, the Oguri family originated from present-day Gunma Prefecture, where the town of Ogura exists to this day. The name is associated with the ancient Oguri clan, which ruled a part of the Kanto region during the Heian period (794–1185). Outside Japan, the name can be found in various countries as a result of Japanese immigration, notably in Brazil, Peru, and the United States. In these countries, the Oguri diaspora has established communities primarily concentrated in urban areas like Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oguri

The surname Oguri has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and potential transliterations from Japanese. Here are some common versions:

1. Oguri - This is the standard romanization used in English contexts.
2. Ooguri - A less common variant that uses a capital 'O' at the beginning of the name, as is the case with some Japanese names.
3. Oogure - An alternate spelling using an 'e' at the end of the name, which can be found in certain contexts.
4. Ogurie - Another variation, again with a different ending vowel.
5. Uguri - A phonetic approximation of the name when pronounced in English, although this is less common and not conventionally used due to its deviation from traditional romanization standards.
6. Ooguri-san, Oguri-kun, etc. - Adding honorifics such as 'san' or 'kun' can be found in formal or informal Japanese conversations but are generally not included when the name is written in English.

Famous people with the last name Oguri

Oguri Shunji (1925-1964) was a prominent Japanese film actor known for his role in Yasujirō Ozu's late films. He started his career in the early 1950s and gained recognition with his performance in "Tokyo Twilight" (1957). His other notable works include "Late Spring" (1952) and "Floating Weeds" (1959). Oguri Hideji (born 1934), also known as Hiroshi, is a Japanese author who won the Akutagawa Prize in 1962 for his short story "Odori no Kisetsu" ("Season of Dance"). His novel "The Journey Underground" was published in 1967 and has been translated into several languages. Lastly, Oguri Capcom (founded in 1980) is a Japanese video game developer and publisher known for creating popular franchises such as Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Resident Evil.

Genealogical research on the last name Oguri

The Oguri lineage is traced back to the Japanese Heian period (794-1185 AD). One of the earliest recorded ancestors is Fujiwara no Oguri Masahira, who lived during the late Heian period and served in various administrative roles. His descendants continued to hold prominent positions throughout the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo periods. During the Edo period, the Oguris were among the five great retainers of the Tokugawa shogunate in Aizu-Wakamatsu domain. One notable Oguri, Oguri Hidetada, served as a daimyo (feudal lord) and played a significant role in the Japanese civil war known as the Boshin War. Today, the Oguri name can be found globally due to migration and assimilation over centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include Masaru Oguri, a Japanese film director, and Toshiaki Ogura, a prominent Japanese musician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "oguri"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends