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

Yasui, 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 Yasui surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yasui in America

Yasui is the 50275th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yasui surname appeared 416 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 Yasui.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yasui 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 Yasui

The surname Yasui has its origins in Japan and boasts a rich history intertwined with the nation's cultural and linguistic development. The name traces back to the medieval period, flourishing predominantly in regions such as Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. Yasui is derived from the Japanese words "安" (yasu), meaning "peace" or "tranquility," and "井" (i), meaning "well." Together, they imply a "peaceful well," indicative of a calm and serene life, possibly relating to a family or clan known for their peaceful nature or a location known for a particular well.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Yasui appear in ancient Japanese documents from the Heian period (794-1185). During this era, the name often emerges in relation to local governance and agrarian records. Many village and town names from this period incorporate the elements "yasu" or "井," which highlights the geographical importance of wells and water sources in early Japanese settlements.

One notable figure in history with the surname Yasui is Yasui Sanchi, a 16th-century samurai from what is today known as Gifu Prefecture. Sanchi played a pivotal role in local feudal conflicts and his exploits are documented in several historical texts from the Sengoku period. Another significant figure is Yasui Tesshu (1836-1888), a celebrated master of Japanese calligraphy and swordsmanship. Tesshu founded the Muto-ryu school of swordsmanship and his contributions to martial arts remain influential.

An important historical mention of the name appears in ancient land records, such as the Heian-era chronicles detailing family lineages and landholding patterns. The Yasui family was often associated with rural domains and held responsibilities critical to local agricultural productivity.

In the Edo period, Yasui Kimbei (1855-1923) gained prominence as a pioneer in Japanese photography. Kimbei's work showcased the beauty of Japan to the Western world, offering a glimpse of Japanese culture and landscapes. His photographs remain significant in the history of early photography in Japan.

Yasui Shoen (1872-1919), a talented artist, made significant contributions to the Japanese art scene, particularly in the nihonga style of painting. Her works often depicted serene landscapes and are celebrated for their delicate brushwork and composition.

Yasui Katsuji (1896-1984) further solidified the name's historical presence in modern times through his impactful work in botany. Katsuji's research significantly advanced the study of plant species in Japan, earning recognition in academic circles.

Spanning centuries, the surname Yasui has remained intertwined with the evolving history of Japan. Its bearers have contributed significantly to various facets of Japanese cultural and intellectual life, creating a legacy that reflects the name's tranquil origins.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yasui

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

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

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

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