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Last Name Ozawa

What is the origin of the last name Ozawa?

The last name Ozawa is of Japanese origin. It is a common surname in Japan and is derived from the combination of two kanji characters: "小" meaning "small" and "澤" meaning "marsh" or "swamp". Therefore, the surname Ozawa can be translated to mean "small swamp" or "little marsh".

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ozawa

The meaning and origin of the last name Ozawa

The surname Ozawa is of Japanese origin and is derived from the Japanese words "O" meaning big or large, and "zawa" meaning marsh or swamp. The name likely originated as a topographic surname to describe someone who lived near a large marsh or swamp. It is a fairly common surname in Japan and is often found among families with ancestral ties to the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions. The Ozawa name has historical significance, with notable individuals such as the famous conductor Seiji Ozawa carrying this surname. Today, the surname Ozawa continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of the family's connection to the land and its history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ozawa

The last name Ozawa is most commonly found in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, where the capital city of Tokyo is located. It is believed to have originated from the Japanese word meaning "small swamp" or "small marsh." The surname has a relatively low prevalence outside of Japan, with small populations of individuals bearing the name residing in the United States, Brazil, and other countries with significant Japanese diaspora communities. Within Japan, the surname is most frequently found in urban areas, reflecting the historical concentration of the population in cities. The distribution of the name Ozawa suggests that it is a distinctly Japanese surname with strong ties to the country's cultural and historical roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ozawa

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Famous people with the last name Ozawa

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Genealogical research on the last name Ozawa

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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 April 2025

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