NomOrigine Background

Last Name Okuda

What is the origin of the last name Okuda?

The surname Okuda is a Japanese surname. In Japanese, "oku" means "deep" or "remote" and "da" means "rice field." Therefore, the surname Okuda is believed to have originated from a place name that described someone living in or near a deep or remote rice field. It is a relatively common surname in Japan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Okuda

The meaning and origin of the last name Okuda

The surname Okuda is a Japanese surname that is believed to have originated as a place name in Japan. The name Okuda can be broken down into two parts – "O" meaning "big" or "large" and "kuda" meaning "rice paddy" or "plain." Therefore, the surname Okuda may refer to a person who either owned or lived near a large rice paddy or plain. It is common for Japanese surnames to have originated from geographical features, occupations, or other significant aspects of a person's life. The Okuda surname is relatively common in Japan, with many individuals bearing this surname contributing to various fields such as art, literature, and business. The name continues to be passed down through generations as a reminder of the family's history and roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Okuda

The last name Okuda is of Japanese origin and is most commonly found in Japan. It is a relatively common surname in the country, with a concentration in certain regions such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The name Okuda can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Japanese populations such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil. However, the surname is much less common outside of Japan and is typically associated with individuals of Japanese descent. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Okuda reflects its Japanese roots, with a strong presence in Japan and smaller pockets of individuals with the surname in other countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Okuda

The last name Okuda can be spelled in a variety of ways and may have several variations depending on the region or country of origin. Some common variations of Okuda include: Okura, Okuda, Okda, Ocuda, Ocuda, Ockuda, Ockda, and Ockuda. These variations may be the result of transliteration from the original Japanese characters, regional dialects, or changes over time. The name Okuda is of Japanese origin and is typically written using kanji characters. It is important to note that the spelling and pronunciation of last names can vary greatly, so it is not uncommon to see different versions of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Okuda

One famous individual with the last name Okuda is Alex Okuda, a renowned Japanese-American chef and restaurateur known for his innovative fusion cuisine. He has received numerous accolades for his culinary creations, including a Michelin star for his restaurant in Tokyo. Another notable figure is Denise Okuda, a talented American television producer and visual effects artist who has worked on popular series like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. Furthermore, Ryo Okuda is a celebrated Japanese artist known for his vibrant and colorful paintings that often explore themes of identity and cultural heritage. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to inspire others with their creativity and passion.

Genealogical research on the last name Okuda

The surname Okuda is of Japanese origin and is derived from the place name Okuda, which means "big (o) warehouse (kuda)" in Japanese. The Okuda family is believed to have ancient roots in Japan, possibly descending from a prominent samurai clan or a ruling family. Records show that the Okuda name can be found throughout various regions in Japan, with notable concentrations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The family may have been involved in occupations such as agriculture, trade, or craftsmanship. Throughout history, the Okuda family may have faced challenges such as social status fluctuations, economic hardships, or natural disasters. Today, individuals with the Okuda surname can be found not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors and contributing to their communities.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Okuboyejo (Last name)

surnames > okuboyejo

Okuboyejo is a Yoruba surname originating from Nigeria. It is derived from the Yoruba words "Oko" meaning "husband" and "Oyejo" meaning "title of a particular chieftaincy." Therefo...

Okucha (Last name)

surnames > okucha

The surname Okucha is of Japanese origin. It is believed to be derived from the combination of the elements "O" meaning big or great, and "kucha" which could mean a spoon or a ladl...

Okudirichi (Last name)

surnames > okudirichi

The surname Okudirichi is of Igbo origin, from Nigeria.

Okumu-ringa (Last name)

surnames > okumu-ringa

The last name "Okumu Ringa" is of Luo origin from Kenya. "Okumu" is a common Luo surname, while "Ringa" is a surname rarely found among the Luo community.

Okumura (Last name)

surnames > okumura

The name Okumura is of Japanese origin and means "center village" or "town town". This surname is common in Japan and may have different writing variations in kanji.

Okuno (Last name)

surnames > okuno

The surname Okuno originates from Japan. It is a Japanese surname that is believed to have originated from a place name in Japan.

Okuntu (Last name)

surnames > okuntu

The last name "Okuntu" is of Nigerian origin. It is derived from the Yoruba language and means "one who is well beloved."