Last Name Unno

Learn more about the origin of the last name Unno

The meaning and origin of the last name Unno

The surname Unno is of Japanese origin and derives from the Japanese language. In Japanese, the characters 海野 (Unno) translate to "field by the sea." This surname was often given to people who lived near a coastal area where fields or agricultural lands were located. As with many Japanese surnames, the Unno family name follows the practice of hereditary surnames, in which the family's original occupation or place of residence served as a means to identify them over time. The name is relatively uncommon compared to other Japanese surnames due to its specific geographical reference, but it can be found across Japan today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Unno

The surname Unno is predominantly found in Japan, specifically in the Kanto region, including the prefectures of Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, where it originated. A smaller number of people bearing the name Unno can also be found in other parts of Japan, but its concentration in the Kanto region is significant due to historical reasons such as population movement during the Edo period (1603-1868) when the region was a center of political and economic power. Additionally, there are Japanese immigrants who carry the name Unno in various countries, particularly in North America, South America, Australia, and Europe, reflecting the global dispersion of the Japanese diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Unno

The surname Unno has several variations and spellings. The most common spelling is "Unno," which originates from Japan. However, it can also be found as "Unoh" or "Uno" in some instances, particularly among individuals of Japanese descent living outside of Japan.

Another variation is "Unna," a less common but valid spelling. In Japanese, the name can also be written using different kanji characters, such as 海野 (Sea Field), 雲野 (Cloud Field), or 運納 (Ran Transportation Storage).

It's important to note that Japanese names are traditionally written with a family name first and given name second. Therefore, when encountering a Japanese name like Unno, it is customary to address the person using their family name (e.g., Unno-san) unless specifically instructed otherwise.

In addition, some individuals of Japanese descent living in non-Japanese speaking countries may have anglicized versions of their names, which could lead to further variations of the surname Unno, such as "O'Unno," "One," or "Una." Ultimately, it is essential to respect and use the spelling that each individual prefers when referring to them.

Famous people with the last name Unno

Notable individuals bearing the surname Unno include:

1. Akira Unno (1963-), a Japanese conductor and violist who has worked with various orchestras worldwide, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is known for his interpretations of classical music, particularly those of the Romantic period.

2. Kazuo Uno (1935-1997) was a Japanese photographer recognized for his work in abstract and minimalist photography. His series "Photographs of Flowers" is considered one of the significant contributions to contemporary art photography.

3. Motoi Uno (1960-), a Japanese sculptor and installation artist known for his exploration of natural and industrial materials, as well as environmental issues. One of his most famous works, "Sunflowers," is an ongoing project where he plants thousands of sunflower seeds annually in various locations worldwide.

4. Yoshiro Unno (1930-2017), a Japanese video game designer who co-founded Nihon Falcom and was the creator of the Dragon Slumber series, which helped popularize role-playing games in Japan during the 80s. He is considered one of the pioneers of the genre.

5. Yukio Unno (1927-), a Japanese mathematician who made significant contributions to group theory and differential equations. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 1958, considered one of the highest honors in mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Unno

The Japanese surname Unno (宇野) is of geographical origin, derived from the region of Uno in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. It was traditionally associated with the Minobe clan, one of the Five Great Samurai Clans of Tottori, who were vassals of the imperial court during the Heian period (794-1185). Over time, the name Unno spread across regions as people migrated or adopted it. In modern times, Unno is a relatively common surname in Japan, with notable figures such as Shuji Unno, a musician, and Atsushi Unno, a mathematician, contributing to their respective fields. The Japanese database Nihon-seikatsu-joho-shuppan (NSJ) estimates that approximately 26,000 individuals bear the Unno surname in Japan as of 2015.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Unno"
• 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