Last Name Uchino

The surname Uchino has its origins in Japan. It is a variant of the more common Japanese surname "Uchi" which means "inside" or "within." Over time, some families may have added the "-no" suffix to indicate that they lived within a particular village, estate, or compound. The specific branch or lineage of the Uchino family can be further traced by consulting Japanese genealogical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uchino

The meaning and origin of the last name Uchino

The surname Uchino is of Japanese origin, specifically from the Okinawan prefecture. It is derived from the place name "Uchina" or "Uchi" (内), which means "inside" or "inner" in the Ryukyuan language. The name was given to families who lived within the interior regions of Okinawa, as opposed to those living along the coast. Over time, the pronunciation of the name evolved into Uchino, reflecting the regional dialect. Today, individuals with the surname Uchino can be found primarily in Okinawa and other parts of Japan. The family name Uchino is one of the many remnants of the rich history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uchino

The surname Uchino is predominantly found in Japan, particularly in the prefectures of Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima. These regions are located on the northern and eastern parts of the main island of Honshu, indicating a historical population concentration there. The name Uchino is also found in smaller numbers in other areas of Japan, suggesting that some individuals may have migrated from the original settlements over time. Additionally, due to Japanese immigration patterns, particularly after World War II, small communities with the Uchino surname can be found in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and the United States. However, it is important to note that the distribution of the name Uchino in Japan remains significant, making up a notable percentage of the population within the prefectures where it is most common.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uchino

The surname Uchino has various spelling versions due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include: Uchinou, Uchine, Uchinoe, Uchineo, Uchina, Uchinea, and Uchinawa. These variations may arise from the use of different romanization systems for Japanese names, such as Hepburn, Nihon-shiki, and Kunrei-shiki. Additionally, over time, individual preferences or errors in transcription can lead to further alterations. It is essential to note that these variations should not be considered errors, but rather different ways of representing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Uchino

The Uchinos are a notable family with significant contributions across various fields. Kenji Uchino, born in Japan, is an internationally recognized physicist who has made substantial contributions to the study of superconductors and quantum physics. He has worked at institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. In music, there is Hideki Uchino, a Japanese composer and pianist known for his works in film scores, particularly for anime and video games. His most notable work includes the music for the popular anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Additionally, Yukari Uchida (Uchino in Japanese), born in Tokyo, is a renowned voice actress who has provided voices for numerous characters in anime and video games, including the role of Sailor Mars in the original "Sailor Moon" series. These are some of the most prominent individuals bearing the last name Uchino.

Genealogical research on the last name Uchino

The surname Uchino is of Japanese origin and is primarily found in the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It is derived from two Chinese characters meaning "fish" (魚) and "field" or "village" (野), suggesting an original occupation related to fishing or agriculture. The name may have been brought to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) by Chinese immigrants, or it could have evolved locally as a topographic name for someone living near a fish pond or field.

Historically, Uchino clans were prominent in the feudal system of Japan, serving as samurais under various daimyos (feudal lords). The most notable Uchino clan was the Uchina family, who served the Matsura clan on the island of Izumo in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD).

In modern times, the Uchinos have been found in various prefectures across Japan, with significant populations in Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Fukuoka. The name Uchino has also been carried to other countries by Japanese immigrants and their descendants, creating a diaspora that spans the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "uchino"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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