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

Yanagida, 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 Yanagida surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yanagida in America

Yanagida is the 119508th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yanagida surname appeared 145 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 Yanagida.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yanagida 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 Yanagida

The surname Yanagida originates from Japan, with its roots deeply embedded in the country's culture and language. The name is composed of two elements: "Yanagi," meaning willow, and "Da" or "Ta," meaning field. This suggests that the name likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in a field where willow trees were prominent. The willow tree holds significant cultural value in Japan, often symbolizing grace and resilience.

Yanagida likely emerged in the feudal period of Japanese history, a time when surnames were often granted based on geographical locations and occupational roles. The earliest areas where this surname appeared were in regions known for their willow trees and agricultural fields, such as parts of the Kansai region. The name's characters 柳田 have remained consistent in their spelling over the centuries.

Historical references to the Yanagida surname can be found in various ancient Japanese records and manuscripts. One notable mention is in the Edo period, where families bearing the surname Yanagida were documented as being part of the samurai class. Samurai families were meticulous record-keepers, and their genealogies often included detailed notes on landholdings and familial achievements.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the Yanagida surname comes from the Kamakura period, around the 13th century. During this time, a warrior named Yanagida Mitsumasa was noted for his service under the shogunate. Information about Mitsumasa has been mentioned in historical texts concerning samurai lineages.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Yanagida surname. Yanagida Kunio (1875-1962) is a significant figure, considered the father of Japanese folklore studies. His work in collecting and documenting Japanese myths, legends, and rural traditions profoundly impacted the field.

Another notable person was Yanagida Hiroaki (b. 1938), a distinguished biologist known for his research in the field of molecular biology. His contributions to cell cycle research have garnered international acclaim and numerous accolades.

In the realm of sports, Yanagida Noboru (1924-2008) made his mark as a professional baseball player. His career spanned the early post-war years, and he played a key role in popularizing the sport in Japan.

Yanagida Seiji (b. 1963) is a contemporary cultural figure and a revered author. His works often touch upon themes relating to Japanese identity and the intersection of traditional and modern life.

Lastly, Yanagida Naomi (b. 1986) is a renowned artist known for her unique blend of traditional Japanese techniques and modern artistic expressions. She has had numerous exhibitions around the world and is celebrated for her contributions to contemporary art.

The surname Yanagida, rich in its historical context and notable bearers, continues to be a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese cultural and societal evolution.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yanagida

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

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

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

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