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

Yata, 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 Yata surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yata in America

Yata is the 129825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yata surname appeared 131 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 Yata.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yata 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 Yata

The surname Yata originates from Japan and has its roots deeply embedded in the culture and history of the country. The name appears to have surfaced as early as the Heian period (794-1185 AD) and is predominantly associated with areas in central Japan, particularly around the regions of Kyoto and Nara. The etymology of Yata can be traced back to old Japanese words where "Ya" typically means "arrow" and "Ta" denotes a "rice field" or "paddy," signifying a connection to agriculture and traditional livelihoods.

Yata does not appear prominently in many historical records but does make appearances in local registries and family histories. For instance, early records such as temple registries and agricultural tax documents from the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD) mention families carrying the name Yata, often indicating their status as local landowners or skilled workers.

The earliest recorded example of the surname Yata dates back to the 13th century in the records of Toshodaiji Temple in Nara. A monk named Yata Hisakuni is noted for his contributions to the temple’s agricultural endeavors and his work in the scriptorium, preserving valuable religious texts. This record provides insight into the early use of the surname beyond mere agricultural connotations.

Another significant figure with this surname is Yata Nobuyuki (1615-1683), a samurai during the Edo period. Nobuyuki served under the Tokugawa shogunate and was known for his martial skills and administrative talents. His family estates in the Kinki region contributed to the cultivation of rice and the economic stability of the area.

The name is also linked to Yata Kiyotsuna (1721-1778), a noted scholar and poet of the Edo period. Kiyotsuna’s work in classical Japanese poetry was instrumental in preserving traditional literature and he was recognized for his contributions to the scholarly community of his time.

In the late 19th century, Yata Hideo (1870-1934) made significant strides in the field of agriculture and rural development during the Meiji era. Hideo's advancements in rice farming techniques were instrumental in modernizing agricultural practices and boosting productivity in rural Japan.

Another noteworthy individual is Yata Michiko (1920-2003), an influential figure in Japanese education. Michiko's dedication to raising educational standards and promoting equal opportunities for women in post-World War II Japan left a lasting legacy on the country's education system.

Throughout history, the Yata surname has maintained a connection to both traditional agricultural roots and contributions to Japanese cultural and intellectual heritage. The name’s journey from the rice fields to samurai service, scholarly achievements, and modern advancements in education reflects the diverse roles individuals bearing this surname have played in shaping Japanese history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yata

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

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

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

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