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

Yanaga, 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 Yanaga surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yanaga in America

Yanaga is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yanaga surname appeared 121 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 Yanaga.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yanaga 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 Yanaga

The surname Yanaga is of Japanese origin, appearing predominantly in regions such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. The etymology of Yanaga can be traced back to ancient Japan, with the literal translation suggesting "arrow" (矢 - ya) and "long" or "eternal" (長 - naga). These characters are deeply rooted in historical and cultural significances, reflecting professions, geographical features, and attributes associated with the bearers.

Historical references suggest that the surname Yanaga first appeared in records during the late Heian period (794-1185 AD). Texts such as the Taiheiki, a historical epic written in the 14th century, include mentions of families and individuals bearing the Yanaga name, linking them to samurai lineage and regional landholdings. The Taiheiki chronicles warfare and political intrigue, indicating that the Yanaga family was involved in significant historical events during medieval Japan.

The earliest known recording of the Yanaga surname dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD), where Zen monk Yanaga Yūzō is noted for his contributions to Buddhism and monastic life. Records from the Nihon Kiryaku, an annual record of events compiled during the 11th century, also reference land grants to the Yanaga family, indicating their significance in feudal society.

One of the more prominent historical figures with the surname Yanaga was Yanaga Sōsuke (1501-1578), a renowned samurai warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period (1467-1603 AD). Sōsuke's valor and strategic acumen in battles were well-documented in various war chronicles of the time. His legacy contributed significantly to the association of the Yanaga name with martial prowess and loyalty.

Yanaga Hōjiro (1805-1873), a poet and philosopher from the Edo period, is another notable figure. His works, which delved into the synthesis of Confucianism and Buddhism, had a profound influence on the intellectual culture of the era. Hōjiro's poetry remains studied today for its intricate blend of traditional and personal themes.

In modern historical records, Yanaga Kōichirō (1869-1945) stands out as a key figure in the Meiji Restoration era. An early advocate for educational reform, Kōichirō's initiatives led to the establishment of several academic institutions that promoted Western learning alongside traditional Japanese education. His contributions are often cited in discussions of Japan's transition into the modern era.

Yanaga Haruto (1902-1978), a distinguished botanist, made significant contributions to the study of Japanese flora. His research and publications advanced the understanding of plant species indigenous to Japan, and his works remain a valuable resource for botanists and ecologists.

These historical figures, along with the linguistic roots and regional origins of the surname, paint a rich tapestry of the Yanaga name. The surname represents a blend of valor, intellect, and cultural heritage, sustained through centuries of Japanese history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yanaga

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

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

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

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