Suzuki
A Japanese surname meaning "bell tree" or "bud tree," likely referring to the place of origin or occupation.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 6,135 Americans carry the last name Suzuki. That puts it at #6,438 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.79 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 55,869 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Suzuki 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
6.1K
1 in 55,869
Census rank
#6,438
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.8
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
5.3K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 5,274 bearers of the surname Suzuki in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.79 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 6438th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Suzuki, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 83.3%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (7.5%) and White (6.2%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Suzuki
The surname "Suzuki" is a Japanese family name that originated in the late 16th century. It is derived from the Japanese word "suzuki," which means "bell tree" or "bell wood." The name likely originated in areas where there were abundant bell trees or where bell-making was a prominent industry.
One of the earliest recorded examples of the Suzuki name dates back to the late 16th century in the Edo period. The name appears in historical records and documents from that time, indicating its use as a family name.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Suzuki family played a significant role in the bell-making industry. Some historical records mention Suzuki bell makers who were renowned for their craftsmanship and the quality of their bells.
In the 19th century, the Suzuki name gained prominence with the birth of Suzuki Shōsan (1809-1838), a Japanese poet and calligrapher who was known for his innovative style and contributions to the literary world.
Another notable figure with the Suzuki surname was Suzuki Daisetsu Teitaro (1870-1966), a renowned Japanese writer, scholar, and philosopher who was influential in introducing Zen Buddhism to the West.
In the 20th century, the Suzuki name became even more widely recognized with the rise of Suzuki Michio (1887-1982), the founder of the Suzuki Violin Method, which revolutionized the way music education was approached and taught to children.
Suzuki Shinichi (1897-1982), the founder of the Suzuki Motor Corporation, was another prominent figure who carried the Suzuki surname. His company, which started as a small loom manufacturer, grew into a global automotive and motorcycle giant.
Throughout history, the Suzuki name has been associated with various professions, including artisans, scholars, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of individuals bearing this surname.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Suzuki
Among Census respondents with the surname Suzuki, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 83.3%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (7.5%) and White (6.2%).
The bar chart below shows how Suzuki 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 Suzuki surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Asian and Pacific Islander83.3%
- Two or more races7.5%
- White6.2%
- Hispanic or Latino2.8%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Suzuki 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 | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #6,438 | #6,438 | 0.0% |
| Count | 5,274 | 5,274 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 1.79 | 1.79 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Suzuki bearers went from 5,274 to 5,274 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #6,438 to #6,438.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Suzuki
FAQ
Suzuki surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Suzuki?
The surname Suzuki holds position #6,438 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 6,135 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.79 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Suzuki surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Suzuki, the largest self-reported group is Asian/Pacific Islander at 83.3%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (7.5%) and White (6.2%). 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.