Last Name Okazaki

The surname "Okazaki" is of Japanese origin. It comes from the Okazaki region, which is a city located in Aichi Prefecture on the island of Honshu in Japan. Historically, it was a feudal domain under the Tokugawa shogunate and the name refers to its location between two rivers (Oi and Kiso) and a hill called "Kasa-yama" or "Umbrella Mountain." The surname Okazaki is one of the most common in Japan, with over 260,000 people bearing this name as of 2010.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Okazaki

The meaning and origin of the last name Okazaki

The surname Okazaki is of Japanese origin, specifically from the island of Honshu where it is most prevalent. It is written as岡崎 or 大冕 in the Japanese writing system, both meaning "large hill" and "small clearing," respectively. The name likely originated from a geographical feature in the region that had these characteristics. Over time, it became a hereditary surname for families who resided near such a location. Despite its ancient roots, the Okazaki clan did not gain significant power or influence until the Edo period (1603-1868), when they ruled over the Okazaki Domain in modern-day Aichi Prefecture as daimyōs (feudal lords). Today, Okazaki is a common surname in Japan and can also be found among Japanese diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Okazaki

The Okazaki surname has its origins in Japan, specifically in the Kansai region, particularly from the city of Kyoto and the surrounding areas. Over time, it has spread across Japan due to migration and population movements. It is also common in regions such as Aichi Prefecture, where Nagoya, a major urban center, is located.

In recent times, Okazaki emigrants have contributed to the dispersal of this surname globally. The United States, in particular, hosts a significant number of individuals with this name due to Japanese immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries such as Brazil, Peru, Canada, and Australia also have notable populations bearing the Okazaki surname, reflecting historical waves of migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Okazaki

The surname Okazaki has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in translation and transcribing from Japanese characters. Some common variants include:

1. Okazaki - This is the most common spelling, directly transliterated from the Japanese name.
2. Okaishi - An alternative spelling that might be found occasionally.
3. Okasaki - A less common variant, often used by those who misheard or misunderstood the original pronunciation.
4. Okazake - A phonetic approximation in English that does not accurately represent the Japanese name.
5. O'Kazaki - This spelling incorporates an Irish-style "O" before the surname, which is not traditionally used with this name.
6. Okasawki - Another less common variant, possibly resulting from a transcription error or misinterpretation of the characters in Japanese.
7. Okaseki - A rare spelling variation that could be found occasionally.
8. Okazakey - An uncommon spelling with an added "ey" at the end, which is not typically used in this name.
9. Okazackey - Another phonetic approximation, where the final "i" in Japanese has been replaced with a "y".

Famous people with the last name Okazaki

The Okazaki surname has been associated with several prominent individuals across various fields. Masatoshi Okazaki, born in Japan, is an esteemed biologist recognized for his contributions to molecular genetics and cell biology. He was one of the pioneers in mapping the human genome. In the realm of literature, Yoshiko Uchida Okazaki, a Japanese-American author, is notable for her historical novel "Watch Tower." Born in 1921, she detailed her experiences as an internee during World War II. Okazaki is also the surname of Shigeru Okazaki, a renowned Japanese politician who served as Minister of Health and Welfare from 2006 to 2008. In sports, Hideki Okazaki is a professional footballer who has played for various clubs in Japan and Europe, including VfB Stuttgart and Leicester City FC. These are a few examples of the notable individuals bearing the surname Okazaki, demonstrating their significant contributions across diverse disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Okazaki

The surname Okazaki originates from Japan and is predominantly found among Japanese individuals. Historically, it was a place name derived from the old province of Owari, specifically from the town of Okazaki, now located in Aichi Prefecture. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The Okazaki clan, one of the Five Great Clans of Mikawa during Japan's Sengoku period (1467-1568), was an influential samurai family that traced its roots to this town. Notable individuals bearing the Okazaki name include Okazaki Masamichi, who served as Prime Minister of Japan twice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Okazaki Koyō, a renowned modern Japanese painter. The Okazaki family tree is rich with stories of samurai warriors, scholars, artists, politicians, and many other significant figures in Japanese history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Okazaki"
• 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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