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Last Name Tagami

What is the origin of the last name Tagami?

The surname "Tagami" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "taga," meaning "bay" or "coast," and "mi," which can mean "region," "village," or "land." Therefore, the name Tagami could originally have referred to someone who lived near a bay or coastal area in Japan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tagami

The meaning and origin of the last name Tagami

The surname Tagami is of Japanese origin, derived from the region of Taga in Japan. The name is primarily associated with individuals who hail from or have ancestry in Taga, a town located in Niigata Prefecture on the island of Honshu. The name 'Taga' means 'bay' or 'coast', reflecting the town's geographical location. Over time, as families migrated or expanded, the name Tagami was adopted by some members, potentially indicating a specific branch or family within the larger Taga community. Today, the surname Tagami is found worldwide among Japanese diaspora communities, with variations in spelling possibly arising due to differences in transliteration conventions or personal preferences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tagami

The surname Tagami is predominantly found in Japan, specifically in the Tohoku region, which includes the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita. It is also present in some parts of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The Tagami surname is more concentrated in these rural areas rather than major cities, suggesting a historical origin tied to the region. While it primarily appears within Japan, there have been instances of Tagami immigrants in other countries such as the United States and Canada, particularly in communities with significant Japanese diaspora. These communities are often found in coastal regions or urban centers that house large Japanese populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tagami

The surname Tagami has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Taga-mi, Tagahmi, Tahgami, and Tagami-e. In Japanese, the name can be written in multiple ways using kanji characters, such as 田賀美, 漱見, or 田上美. These variations may arise due to differences in romanization systems used for transliterating Japanese names into English, regional dialects, or personal preference. It is important to note that the correct spelling of any name can depend on various factors, and it's always a good idea to ask the individual themselves how they prefer their name to be written.

Famous people with the last name Tagami

Notable individuals with the surname Tagami include:

1. Mitsuhiro Tagami (b. 1964), a Japanese video game designer who is best known for his work on the Sega Genesis games Streets of Rage and Streets of Rage 2.

2. Hiroshi Tagami (b. 1950), a Japanese architect, urban planner, and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who is recognized as one of the pioneers of sustainable design.

3. Nobuyoshi Tagami (b. 1968), a Japanese actor known for his roles in various J-dramas and films, including "Gokusen" and "Gantz."

4. Yoko Tagami (b. 1958), a Japanese actress and voice actress, recognized for her roles in anime series such as "Sailor Moon" and "Digimon Adventure."

5. Ryohei Tagami (b. 1973), a Japanese professional wrestler who competes under the ring name "Yuji Nagata," and is a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark in their industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Tagami

The surname Tagami is of Japanese origin and is most commonly found among the Japanese population. It is derived from two Chinese characters: "田" (ta) meaning 'field' or 'rice paddy', and "上" (kami) meaning 'upper'. Historically, the Tagami family name would have been associated with a person who lived in an upper rice field. Genealogical records of this surname are not readily accessible outside of Japan due to the country's traditional practice of keeping family histories private and within the immediate family. However, some public records indicate that notable individuals bearing the Tagami name include Shizuo Tagami, a prominent Japanese physicist, and Kazuki Tagami, an Olympic fencer for Japan in the 1980s. Further research into the Tagami genealogy can be conducted through various Japanese archives and historical societies for those with a personal connection to the surname or interest in its lineage.

Last name distribution maps

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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 June 2025

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