Last Name Uchida

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uchida

The meaning and origin of the last name Uchida

The surname Uchida is a Japanese patronymic name derived from the given name Ujimasa (内田), which means "inner rice field" or "domestic rice field." This name originated during Japan's feudal Edo period (1603-1868) when it was common for samurai families to adopt a surname based on the name of their residence or occupation. In this case, the Uchida family likely resided near or worked on an inner rice field, and their name has been passed down through generations over centuries. Today, Uchida is one of the most common surnames in Japan and can be found in various parts of the country, including Kagoshima, Miyagi, and Yamaguchi prefectures. The surname Uchida is also present among Japanese diaspora communities around the world, reflecting the significant migration of Japanese people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uchida

The last name Uchida is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as in the neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Japan, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Outside of Japan, significant populations of Uchida descendants can be found in Brazil, Peru, and the United States, primarily in areas with a strong historical connection to Japanese immigration, such as California and Hawaii. The name may also appear sporadically in other countries with historical ties to Japan or where Japanese immigrants have settled, such as Canada and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uchida

The surname Uchida has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

1. Uchida (Japanese) - The most common and traditional spelling of the name, originating from Japan.
2. Uchiyama - A variant that is also commonly found in Japan, with a slight change in character order.
3. Uchida-san or Uchida-kun - Titles of respect added to the surname in Japanese when addressing someone politely.
4. Uchitani - Another variation with a different character sequence, which can be found in Japan.
5. Uchyda - A phonetic spelling in English that attempts to replicate the pronunciation of the original name.
6. Ushida or Usida - Spellings that result from transliterating the name into other languages like Russian or Korean, respectively.
7. Ushetta - An unusual variant that might have arisen due to misinterpretation or error in transcription.
8. Uchyta (Ukrainian), Oshita (Chinese), or Usceta (Spanish) - Variations resulting from transliterating the name into other languages.

Famous people with the last name Uchida

Prominent individuals with the surname Uchida include:

1. Isamu Uchida (1901-1975), a renowned Japanese-American painter and printmaker, best known for his woodblock prints. His work is represented in numerous museum collections worldwide.

2. Yoko Uchida (1896-1930), a Japanese novelist who gained acclaim for her semi-autobiographical works such as "The Diary of a Voyaging Girl" and "The Shooting Stars." Her writing, characterized by its candidness and feminism, made her a significant figure in modern Japanese literature.

3. Akira Uchida (1947-), a distinguished Japanese physicist who has made notable contributions to condensed matter physics and superconductivity research. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006 for his work on interference effects in the quantum coherence of condensed matter systems.

These individuals have made significant strides in their respective fields, contributing to the arts, literature, and sciences, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of those carrying the Uchida name.

Genealogical research on the last name Uchida

The Uchida surname is of Japanese origin, derived from two Chinese characters "内田" (Uchi-da), which can be translated as "inside field" or "inner rice paddy." It is one of the most common surnames in Japan and has been traced back to the Heian period (794-1185). The Uchida clan was historically prominent, with members serving as samurai, scholars, and artisans. Notable individuals with the Uchida surname include Uchida Ryohei, a renowned economist and politician; Uchida Kazuo, a writer and diplomat; and Uchida Kashō, a painter and calligrapher. The Uchida family tree is complex due to the practice of adopting the name by non-blood relatives or servants. This surname can be found not only in Japan but also among Japanese diaspora communities worldwide. Genealogical research on the Uchida family has been facilitated by various organizations and online resources, making it easier for individuals with this surname to trace their roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Uchida"
• 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 : 14 June 2025