NomOrigine Background

Last Name Yokota

What is the origin of the last name Yokota?

The last name Yokota is of Japanese origin. It is derived from a place name, referring to someone who is from the Yokota region in Japan. The name may also have been derived from the Japanese words "yoko" meaning "side" and "ta" meaning "field," indicating someone who lived by the side of a field or cultivated land.

origin of the last name Yokota

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yokota

The meaning and origin of the last name Yokota

Yokota is a Japanese surname with two possible origins. One possibility is that it is derived from the Japanese words "yo" meaning "world" and "kota" meaning "thick," suggesting someone who is knowledgeable or wise. Another possibility is that it is a habitational name derived from the Yokota village in Hiroshima prefecture, which was named after the Yokota River that flows through the area. The surname Yokota is fairly common in Japan, with many individuals bearing this name. It is believed to have originated in ancient Japan and has been passed down through generations, with variations and adaptations along the way. Today, individuals with the surname Yokota can be found not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with Japanese diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yokota

The last name Yokota has its highest concentration in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region where the city of Yokota is located. However, there are also significant populations of individuals with the Yokota surname in other parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi Prefecture. Due to historical and cultural factors, it is rare to find individuals with the last name Yokota residing outside of Japan. Although there may be some individuals with this surname living abroad, the majority of individuals with the Yokota last name can be found within the borders of Japan. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Yokota is predominantly centered in Japan, reflecting the deep roots and longstanding presence of the Yokota family name in Japanese society.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yokota

Yokota is a Japanese surname that can have various spellings and variations depending on transliteration and pronunciation. Some common variations include Yokotai, Yokoda, Yocoda, and Yokohta. In Japanese, the name is written as 横田, with the first character "横" meaning "side" or "horizontal," and the second character "田" meaning "rice field" or "paddy." When it comes to Romanization, there are different ways to represent the sounds of the name in English, resulting in slightly different spellings. These variations are often seen in different regions or among different branches of the same family. Regardless of the spelling, Yokota remains a distinct and recognizable surname with deep roots in Japanese culture and history.

Famous people with the last name Yokota

There are not many famous people with the last name Yokota. One notable individual is Masae Yokota, who gained international recognition as an advocate for the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. Yokota's daughter, Megumi Yokota, was kidnapped by North Korean agents in 1977 when she was 13 years old, sparking a decades-long campaign by her parents to bring her home. Masae Yokota tirelessly fought for the release of not only her daughter but also the other Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea. Her efforts drew attention to the humanitarian crisis of abduction and brought the issue to the forefront of diplomatic discussions between Japan and North Korea. Masae Yokota's unwavering determination and advocacy have made her a respected figure both in Japan and around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Yokota

The last name Yokota is of Japanese origin and has been found primarily in the Kanto region of Japan. The Yokota family likely has a long history in Japan, possibly dating back many generations. The surname Yokota could be of toponymic origin, derived from a place name, suggesting that the family originally hailed from the Yokota area. Alternatively, it could be of occupational origin, indicating that an ancestor may have been involved in some sort of trade or profession related to the term "Yokota." Further genealogical research may uncover more specific details about the Yokota family's origins, migration patterns, and notable individuals within the lineage. This research could involve exploring historical records, such as census data, birth and marriage certificates, and immigration documents, to piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the Yokota family history.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below: