Last Name Tsukada

The surname Tsukada is Japanese, originating from the archipelago's feudal period. It belongs to the group of surnames that were formed by the fusion of a family name and a geographical name or occupation, which was common during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). The Tsukada surname can be traced back to the Tsukada clan in the Aki Province (present-day Hiroshima prefecture), where it originated as a family name for those who lived near or worked on a "tsukada" – a type of water mill used for grinding rice and other grains. Over time, this surname became more widespread across Japan through various historical events such as clan expansion, migrations, and adoption.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tsukada

The meaning and origin of the last name Tsukada

The surname Tsukada is a Japanese name derived from the geographical location or topography. The name originates from the Tsukada Islands, also known as the Sotobu-jima Island group, located off the eastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. In Japanese, "Tsuka" means a small bar, and "da" denotes an island. Thus, Tsukada can be translated to mean "small bar island." The name has been borne by various individuals throughout Japanese history, reflecting its connection to the islands. Today, it remains a common surname in Japan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tsukada

The Tsukada surname is predominantly found in Japan, particularly within the prefectures of Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Okayama, located on the island of Honshu. These prefectures are part of the Chugoku region, which is historically known for its agricultural and fisheries industries, possibly contributing to the concentration of the Tsukada family name in these areas. Outside Japan, there are also significant numbers of individuals with the Tsukada surname in Brazil, particularly in the state of São Paulo, due to historical emigration from Japan during the early 20th century. Furthermore, smaller populations can be found in other parts of the world where Japanese immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tsukada

The surname Tsukada has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription methods across languages and time periods. Some common variations include Tsukada, Tsukata, Tsukadate, Tsuchida, Tsukahara, and Tsukagawa. These variations may be found in Japanese-American or other diaspora communities where the surname has been adapted to conform with non-Japanese naming conventions. Additionally, there might be slight spelling differences based on whether Romanji (the Roman alphabet used for writing Japanese) systems like Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, or Nihon-shiki have been applied. For example, the name Tsukada can also be found as Tsukata, Tsukadate, or Tsukadaté, depending on the Romanji system used. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different families or lineages, but rather differences in transcription and transliteration methods.

Famous people with the last name Tsukada

Tsukada is a Japanese surname that has produced several notable figures. One of the most renowned is Makoto Tsukada, a professional sumo wrestler who reached the highest rank of yokozuna in 1987. He is remembered for his successful career spanning over two decades and for being the first foreign-born wrestler to achieve such a high rank. Another famous individual with the surname is Akihito Tsukada, a scientist who contributed significantly to the field of materials science. He was awarded the Japan Academy Prize in 2019 for his groundbreaking research on high entropy alloys. In the entertainment industry, Ayaka Tsukada is a popular Japanese singer and actress known for her roles in various dramas and movies. She has also released several successful albums and won numerous awards throughout her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Tsukada

The Tsukada surname is a Japanese surname that originates from the Izumo province, present-day Shimane Prefecture. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is found in the Heike Monogatari, a historical epic from the 12th century, where it is mentioned as the surname of the Tsukada clan. Throughout Japanese history, several branches and notable figures bearing the Tsukada name emerged. For example, during the Edo period, the Tsukada family of Hagi played significant roles in politics and commerce, while another branch, the Tsukada of Shimane, gained prominence as vassals to the powerful Matsue domain. In more recent times, Tsukada Yoshitaka is a notable figure who served as governor of Tokyo between 1989 and 1993. Today, the Tsukada surname remains prevalent in Japan, particularly in Shimane Prefecture where it is one of the ten most common surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tsukada"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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