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

Yamanaka, 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 Yamanaka surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yamanaka in America

Yamanaka is the 30509th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yamanaka surname appeared 765 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 Yamanaka.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yamanaka to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Yamanaka

The surname Yamanaka has its origins in Japan and can be traced back several centuries. The name primarily originates from the Japanese kanji 山 (yama) meaning "mountain" and 中 (naka) meaning "middle" or "inside," essentially translating to "middle of the mountain." This surname likely began to emerge during the Feudal Japan period, particularly among families who lived in regions surrounded by mountains or elevated terrain.

Yamanaka is a toponymic surname, which means it is derived from a geographical location. The name is believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of Japan, particularly in areas such as Yamanashi Prefecture and the Gifu Prefecture, known for their rugged terrain. The name delineates families who resided in or near the mountainous areas, indicating their place of habitation.

Historical references to the surname Yamanaka can be found in old Japanese records and manuscripts. One of the earliest mentions of the name is associated with the esteemed samurai Yamanaka Yukimori, who lived during the Sengoku period. Born in 1545 and passing in 1578, Yamanaka Yukimori was a loyal retainer of the Amago clan and known for his valor and tactical prowess in battle. He remains an iconic figure in Japanese history, celebrated for his commitment and martial skills.

In addition to Yamanaka Yukimori, other notable individuals bearing this surname have contributed significantly to various fields. Yamanaka Shikanosuke, another samurai warrior from the Sengoku period, remains etched in the annals of history for his combative achievements and steadfast loyalty. His contributions to the military campaigns during the 16th century are well-documented, and his name endures in historical texts.

Fast forwarding through history, the surname Yamanaka continued to proliferate, with individuals stepping into roles beyond the martial sphere. Yamanaka Sadao, a prominent Japanese film director during the early 20th century, made a significant impact on the Japanese film industry. Born in 1909 and dying tragically early in 1938, his directorial works are celebrated for their humanistic approach and profound narrative.

Additionally, Yamanaka Yutaka, a notable botanist born in 1916, made substantial contributions to the study of Japanese plant species. His detailed classifications and research furthered the understanding of Japan's botanical diversity.

Another significant individual is Yamanaka Shinya, born in 1962, a Nobel Prize-winning stem cell researcher whose groundbreaking work in induced pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized medical science. His achievements have garnered him international acclaim, underscoring the global impact of individuals bearing the Yamanaka surname.

While modern-day references to the surname Yamanaka can be found, the historical roots and contributions of individuals with this name exhibit a remarkable legacy. The surname Yamanaka epitomizes a rich heritage tied to geography, valor, creativity, and scientific advancements, echoing through the passages of Japanese history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yamanaka

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

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 Yamanaka 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Yamanaka has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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 Yamanaka was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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