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

Yamazaki, 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 Yamazaki surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yamazaki in America

Yamazaki is the 47878th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yamazaki surname appeared 442 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 Yamazaki.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yamazaki 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 Yamazaki

Yamazaki is a Japanese surname with deep roots originating in Japan. The name is composed of two kanji characters: "山" (yama) meaning "mountain" and "崎" (zaki or saki) meaning "cape" or "promontory." This combination reflects the geographical features often found in the areas where the name first appeared, suggesting a family that resided near or was associated with mountainous regions and capes.

The Yamazaki surname is believed to have first emerged during the Heian period (794-1185 AD), an era marked by the establishment of powerful clans and a flourishing culture. Historical evidence indicates that families bearing this surname can be traced to regions in central Japan, particularly in the areas surrounding modern-day Gifu and Nagano Prefectures, known for their mountainous terrain.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Yamazaki surname can be found in the Heian-era court records, where a noble named Yamazaki no Toshiharu is mentioned. Though specific dates are not available, this reference indicates the name’s presence among the aristocratic class during this time.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), the Yamazaki name gained further prominence. Yamazaki Ansai (1618-1682), a Confucian scholar and Shinto theologian, is a notable figure during this period. His interpretations of Confucian and Shinto teachings influenced many, and his scholarly works remain significant in Japanese intellectual history.

Moving into the Meiji era (1868-1912), Yamazaki Sōkan (1464-1552) is another distinguished individual associated with the surname. A poet famous for his renga (linked-verse) poetry, Yamazaki Sōkan significantly contributed to the literary culture of his time. Despite being born before the Meiji era, his works received renewed attention and acclaim during this period, cementing his literary legacy.

In modern times, Yamazaki Naomitsu (1864-1945), an industrialist, played a crucial role in Japan's economic development during the late Meiji and Taisho periods. As the founder of a successful manufacturing company, he contributed to Japan's burgeoning industrialization and economic growth.

Another key figure is Yamazaki Tadao (1891-1947), a politician who served in various capacities during the early Showa period. His work in government helped navigate Japan through some of its most volatile years in the early 20th century.

Lastly, Yamazaki Masayuki (1904-1984), a renowned artist, left a lasting impact on Japanese visual arts. His innovative approaches and distinctive style earned him recognition both domestically and internationally, adding to the cultural richness associated with the Yamazaki name.

These individuals, along with the geographical and historical context of the Yamazaki surname, paint a rich tapestry of its significance in Japanese heritage. The name's origins in natural topography, its early appearances in noble records, and its association with notable historical figures highlight the enduring legacy of the Yamazaki name throughout Japanese history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yamazaki

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

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

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

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