Kimura
A Japanese surname meaning "tree village," referring to someone who lived near or worked in a wooded area.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 4,730 Americans carry the last name Kimura. That puts it at #8,164 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.38 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 72,464 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Kimura surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
4.7K
1 in 72,464
Census rank
#8,164
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.4
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
4.1K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 4,059 bearers of the surname Kimura in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.38 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 8164th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Kimura, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 77.8%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (9.9%) and White (9.2%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Kimura
The surname Kimura originates from Japan and dates back several centuries. It is believed to have derived from the Japanese words "ki" meaning tree or wood, and "mura" meaning village, thus translating to "tree village" or "village of trees." The name was likely used to identify individuals residing in areas known for their dense forestry or woodlands.
During the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, the Kimura name was prominent among samurai clans and noble families. One notable figure was Kimura Shigenari (1623-1705), a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) who governed the Akita Domain in northern Japan. His descendants continued to hold influential positions within the region for generations.
Historical records also mention a Kimura Takenori (1624-1696), a renowned Confucian scholar and poet who served as an advisor to the Tokugawa Shogunate. His works on literature and philosophy were widely studied and influential during his time.
In the late 19th century, a Kimura Kumaji (1854-1920) made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the study of algebraic equations and number theory. He was a respected educator and served as the president of the Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo).
During the Meiji Restoration period (1868-1912), a Kimura Hikonojo (1838-1925) played a pivotal role as a samurai and military commander. He was instrumental in the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the establishment of the modern imperial state.
Another notable figure was Kimura Isao (1923-1981), a renowned Japanese novelist and essayist. His works explored themes of identity, cultural traditions, and the complexities of modern life in post-war Japan. He was a recipient of several prestigious literary awards and his novels have been translated into multiple languages.
The Kimura surname has been widely dispersed throughout Japan and can be found in various regions, with some areas historically having higher concentrations of individuals bearing this name. While the specific origins and meanings of surnames can sometimes be obscured by time, the Kimura name stands as a testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage and history.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Kimura
Among Census respondents with the surname Kimura, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 77.8%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (9.9%) and White (9.2%).
The bar chart below shows how Kimura bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Kimura surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander77.8%
- Two or more races9.9%
- White9.2%
- Hispanic or Latino3.0%
- Unknown or suppressed0.3%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Kimura surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #8,165 | #8,164 | 0.0% |
| Count | 3,735 | 4,059 | 8.7% |
| Per 100K | 1.38 | 1.38 | 0.0% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Kimura bearers went from 3,735 to 4,059 (+8.7% change). The surname moved up 1 positions in the national ranking, going from #8,165 to #8,164.
FAQ
Kimura surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Kimura?
The surname Kimura holds position #8,164 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 4,730 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.38 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Kimura surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Kimura, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 77.8%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (9.9%) and White (9.2%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.