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

Yokoyama, 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 Yokoyama surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yokoyama in America

Yokoyama is the 21459th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yokoyama surname appeared 1,218 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 Yokoyama.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yokoyama 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 Yokoyama

The surname Yokoyama originates from Japan, where it holds significant cultural and historical resonance. The name itself combines two kanji characters: "yoko" 横, meaning "side" or "horizontal," and "yama" 山, meaning "mountain." This composition evokes a landscape feature, specifically referring to a mountain that stretches out horizontally or lies on its side, a motif common in Japanese geography and rural areas.

Yokoyama is a toponymic surname, indicating that it is derived from a geographical location or feature. The name is prevalent in various regions throughout Japan, including Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures, lending it a historical richness that spans several centuries. The name’s use can be traced back to the Heian Period (794-1185 AD), where it is believed to have originated from specific feudal territories or local clan settlements.

Historical references to the surname appear in various records and genealogical documents. One of the earliest and most notable references to the Yokoyama surname can be found in the genealogical scrolls of the samurai class during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333 AD). These records detailed the lineages and origins of samurai families, many of which had adopted the name due to their settlement near horizontally sprawling mountains or similar terrain.

Among the earliest recorded examples of the surname is Yokoyama Yoshinori (1160-1242), a samurai who served under Minamoto no Yoritomo during the late Heian and early Kamakura Periods. Another notable figure is Yokoyama Taikan (1868-1958), a prominent painter and one of the pioneers of the Nihonga style, which blends traditional Japanese and Western painting techniques. Taikan's influence extended beyond art, impacting cultural perceptions of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Yokoyama Matsuko (1915-2003), a well-known feminist and social activist, greatly contributed to the women’s rights movement in Japan. Her efforts in public health and education left an enduring legacy in modern Japanese society.

Historical figures such as Yokoyama Sakujiro, a judoka born in the Meiji period, also bear mentioning. He played an instrumental role in the development and international dissemination of Judo, helping to establish it as a recognized martial art worldwide.

Lastly, Yokoyama Kenji, a mid-20th century political figure, held significant influence during the post-World War II reconstruction era in Japan. His efforts in governmental reforms and development projects underscore the diverse impact of individuals bearing this surname.

Overall, the surname Yokoyama is rich with historical significance, deeply tied to the geographical and cultural tapestry of Japan. From samurai warriors to artists and political figures, the name has appeared consistently throughout Japanese history, marking its bearers as significant contributors to various facets of society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yokoyama

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

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

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

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