Find out how popular the last name Koseki is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Koseki.

Koseki, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Koseki surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Koseki in America

Koseki is the 160975th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Koseki surname appeared 100 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Koseki.

The history of the last name Koseki

The surname KOSEKI has its origins in Japan, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the late 16th century. The name is derived from the Japanese word "koseki," which means "family register" or "household record." This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with individuals responsible for maintaining official records or serving in administrative roles.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the KOSEKI name was particularly prevalent in the regions of Kansai and Chugoku, where it was commonly found among samurai families and those involved in local governance. Historical records from this era, such as the "Buke Kashokufu" (a directory of samurai families), mention several individuals bearing the KOSEKI name.

One notable figure from this time was Koseki Masanobu (1601-1674), a renowned swordsmith and armorer from Kyoto. His work was highly prized by the samurai class, and his swords are still considered masterpieces of Japanese craftsmanship.

In the late 19th century, during the Meiji Restoration, the KOSEKI name gained further prominence as the government introduced a centralized system of family registration called the "Koseki Tohon." This system, which is still in use today, required all households to maintain official records of births, marriages, and deaths.

Another historically significant individual was Koseki Yukinaga (1870-1945), a prominent educator and philosopher who played a key role in shaping Japan's modern educational system. He served as the president of Kyoto University and was instrumental in establishing the university's reputation as a leading center of learning.

In the 20th century, the name KOSEKI continued to be associated with various fields, including the arts and literature. One notable figure was Koseki Sumiko (1913-1989), a renowned author and poet who was celebrated for her lyrical and introspective works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human experience.

The KOSEKI name has also been carried by several influential politicians and government officials, such as Koseki Toshio (1919-2003), who served as the Governor of Saitama Prefecture from 1983 to 1991.

While the name KOSEKI has its roots in Japan, it has also spread to other parts of the world through immigration and cultural exchange. However, its historical significance remains firmly rooted in its Japanese origins and the rich cultural heritage associated with the name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Koseki

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Koseki.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Koseki was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Koseki was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Koseki, please contact us.

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