Last Name Okai

The surname Okai is of Japanese origin. It derives from a place name, specifically from one of several locations named "Ōka" throughout Japan. These places can be found in numerous regions, such as Fukushima, Saitama, and Kagawa prefectures. In Japan, the practice of adopting hereditary surnames began during the Heian period (794-1185), and many families adopted names based on their place of origin or occupation. The surname Okai is an example of this tradition.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Okai

The meaning and origin of the last name Okai

The surname Okai is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Tohoku region in northern Honshu island. It derives from the place name "Ōkawa," which means "large river" or "big river." In Japan, many surnames were historically associated with a specific geographical location or occupation. The Okai family can trace their roots back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when the Tokugawa shogunate established a system of hereditary surnames for farmers, artisans, and merchants. Over time, the family migrated from the rural areas to urban centers, and individuals with the Okai name can now be found throughout Japan. In modern times, the name has also been adopted by people of Japanese descent in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Okai

The Okai surname is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. In Ghana, it's most prevalent among the Akan people, who are the largest ethnic group in the country. In Ivory Coast, it's also common among the Akan population, specifically the Asante and Fanti subgroups. The name Okai or Kwabena Okai is also found among Ghanaians in diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, due to migration from these regions. It's worth noting that surnames in Africa often reflect tribal or ethnic origins, and the Okai surname is no exception, reflecting a connection to the Akan people.

Variants and spellings of the last name Okai

The surname Okai has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include O'Kee, O'Key, O'Kea, O'Keeffe, O'Kaya, and O'Kie. These variations often arise due to phonetic changes during the transcription process or regional dialects. The name Okai can also be found in other cultures, such as Japanese, where it is pronounced 'O-ka-i'. Additionally, there may be minor spelling differences based on personal preference, such as O'Kee versus OKea. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often depend on historical context and personal or cultural traditions.

Famous people with the last name Okai

Okai Chikio (born 1962) is a Japanese manga artist known for his works such as "H2" and "Golgo 13". He has been awarded multiple times, including the Shogakukan Manga Award for Best General Manga in 1990 for "H2". Another notable figure with the surname Okai is Imani-Kys Okai, a Ghanaian-American actress and activist. She is best known for her role as Lala in the television series "Everybody Hates Chris" and her advocacy work on behalf of African immigrants in the United States. Additionally, there is Katsuhiro Okagi (born 1963), a Japanese film director who has worked on numerous anime productions, including "Akira", "Fist of the North Star", and "Ghost in the Shell". These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments of those with the surname Okai across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Okai

The surname Okai is primarily associated with Japan and has roots in the Kai province, which is now known as Yamanashi Prefecture. The Kai province was one of the old provinces of Japan during the Heian period. The name Okai is derived from the old provincial name Kai, meaning "big cedar."

Historically, many people with the surname Okai have been farmers, as the region was known for its agricultural productivity. Notable individuals with the surname Okai include Okai Moriye (1818-1874), a prominent Meiji period politician and diplomat, and Okai Mokichi (1902-1982), a renowned poet and novelist.

In modern times, the Okai family has dispersed globally due to various historical events, including emigration, and can now be found in countries such as Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Genealogical research on the Okai surname can be conducted through Japanese archives, public records, and online databases specialized in Asian genealogy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "okai"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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