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.

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tokita"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends