NomOrigine Background

Last Name Tokita

What is the origin of the last name Tokita?

The surname Tokita (トキタ) is a Japanese surname. It is derived from a place name, similar to many Japanese surnames. In this case, it is believed to originate from the old province of Tosa (now Kochi Prefecture) in Shikoku Island, Japan. Specifically, Tokita could be associated with the Tokitsu (戸木津) area within Tosa Province. As with many Japanese surnames, the Tokita family likely took their name from the place where they resided or were originally from.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Tokita

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tokita

The meaning and origin of the last name Tokita

The surname Tokita is of Japanese origin, stemming from the archipelago's complex system of hereditary surnames known as "sei". In this system, which was more prominent in the Edo period (1603-1868), samurai and farmers were often given names based on their occupation, place of residence, or physical characteristics. The name Tokita is believed to have derived from the Japanese word "toki," meaning "bell" or "clock," and "ta," a locational suffix indicating a place where something abundant was found. Thus, it is possible that the original bearer of this surname lived near a bell foundry or a clock tower, or perhaps in a location where bells were commonly used or heard. Like many Japanese surnames, Tokita has been passed down through generations, reflecting the rich history and cultural traditions of Japan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tokita

The surname Tokita is predominantly found in Japan, specifically in the prefectures of Niigata and Fukushima. According to the Japanese Family Names Database, as of 2016, over 10,000 people bear the name Tokita, making it a relatively common surname within the population. The name is often associated with the Tohoku region, particularly Niigata Prefecture, where the Tokiwa Shrine, one of the most famous shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess Hiyoshi, resides. Additionally, smaller concentrations of people with the surname Tokita can be found in other parts of Japan and occasionally in immigrant communities around the world, particularly in countries with significant Japanese populations such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, Peru, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tokita

The surname Tokita can have several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include Tohyama (which translates to "East Mountain"), Tochinai (meaning "Large Field"), Takata (interpreted as "High Land"), Tokudai (signifying "Long Ridge"), and Tokugawa (originating from the powerful Tokugawa shogunate family in Japan). Other possible spellings might include Tokitae, Tokyta, Tohkita, etc., which could arise from phonetic transcriptions or typos. It's important to note that these variations may not necessarily indicate different origins or branches of the same family, as surnames in Japanese history were often changed or regionalized over time due to various historical and cultural reasons.

Famous people with the last name Tokita

Notable individuals with the surname Tokita include Masami Tokita (born 1967), a Japanese manga artist known for his works like "NGE" and "Angelic Layer." Another prominent figure is Yukari Tokita, a Japanese idol, singer, and voice actress who has been active since the late 1990s. She is best known for her work in the anime series "Love Live! School Idol Project." In the world of academia, Yoshio Tokita (born 1954) is a Japanese geophysicist and seismologist who has made significant contributions to earthquake prediction research. Lastly, Toshiyuki Tokita (born 1960), is a Japanese politician serving as the current Mayor of Kawasaki since 2018. He was previously the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2012 to 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Tokita

The Tokita surname originates from Japan and is associated with the Tōkai region, particularly Aichi Prefecture. Historically, the name is believed to be derived from 'Toki' or 'Time,' reflecting the importance of timekeeping in the region due to the influence of the ancient capital cities of Heian-kyō (Kyoto) and Nara. The Tokita family can be traced back to the Edo period (1603–1868), with a significant branch originating from Owari Province, now known as Nagoya city in Aichi Prefecture. Notable individuals bearing the Tokita surname include Tokita Masayuki, who served as the 7th Prime Minister of Japan, and Tokita Kiyohide, a scholar and educator during the Meiji period. The Tokita clan has made significant contributions to Japanese politics, education, and culture throughout history.

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 : 12 June 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

Tok tok (Last name)

surnames > tok-tok

The last name "Tok Tok" is of Korean origin. It is derived from the Korean word "tok," which means "rabbit." This last name is relatively rare and has historical significance in Ko...

Toka (Last name)

surnames > toka

The last name "Toka" has multiple origins across various cultures. In Swahili, it is derived from a name meaning 'leopard'. It could also be a variation of the Japanese surname "T...

Tokal (Last name)

surnames > tokal

The last name "Tokal" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the word "toka," which means "buckle" in Turkish. This surname may have been used to describe someone who made or sol...

Tokala (Last name)

surnames > tokala

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Tokatlian (Last name)

surnames > tokatlian

The last name Tokatlian is of Armenian origin. It is derived from the name of the town of Tokat in Turkey, which was an important center for Armenian culture and history. Many Arme...

Tokatly (Last name)

surnames > tokatly

The last name "Tokatly" originates from the Turkish word "tokat," which means "slap" or "smack." It is likely to have been used as a nickname or descriptive surname for someone who...

Toke (Last name)

surnames > toke

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Tokempash (Last name)

surnames > tokempash

The last name "Tokempash" originates from Nigeria, specifically from the Yoruba ethnic group. It is believed to be a combination of the Yoruba words "toke" meaning "blessing" and "...

Tokhi (Last name)

surnames > tokhi

The last name "Tokhi" is of Pashto origin and is commonly found among the Pashtun ethnic group in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The name is believed to be derived from the word "tokh,"...

Tokhtakhodjaev (Last name)

surnames > tokhtakhodjaev

The last name "Tokhtakhodjaev" is of Uzbek origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "tokhta," meaning "crest" or "crown," and the Arabic word "khodja," meaning "teacher" or "lea...

Toklis (Last name)

surnames > toklis

Toklis is a surname of Lithuanian origin. It is derived from the Lithuanian word "toks" meaning "such" or "like that." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone w...

Toklo (Last name)

surnames > toklo

The last name "Toklo" is of Native American origin, specifically from the Choctaw tribe. It is derived from the Choctaw word "tok-lo," meaning "fox."

Tokola (Last name)

surnames > tokola

The surname Tokola is of Finnish origin. It is a habitational name derived from the word "tökölä", a type of farmstead in Finland. The name likely originated from a place where ...

Tokovic (Last name)

surnames > tokovic

The last name "Toković" is of South Slavic origin, specifically from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. It is derived from the word "tok" meaning "stream" or "flow" in S...

Tokpo (Last name)

surnames > tokpo

The last name "Tokpo" is of African origin. It is believed to originate from the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo in West Africa.