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

Yoshinaga, 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 Yoshinaga surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yoshinaga in America

Yoshinaga is the 57101st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yoshinaga surname appeared 357 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 Yoshinaga.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yoshinaga 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 Yoshinaga

The surname Yoshinaga is of Japanese origin and can be traced back to the ancient period of Japan. The name itself originates from the combination of two Japanese kanji characters: "yoshi" (良 or 吉), meaning "good" or "luck," and "naga" (永), meaning "eternal" or "long-lasting." This etymology suggests the name was likely given to signify good fortune, longevity, and a continuous line or legacy.

Historical records show that the surname Yoshinaga has been associated with various samurai families during the feudal period in Japan, particularly within the domains of the classical samurai clans. These clans were typically situated in regions like Kyushu, and the surname was often bestowed to honor loyalty and virtue.

One of the earliest and most notable historical references to the surname Yoshinaga comes from the Sengoku period (1467-1615). The name appears in various documents and records from this era, highlighting its long-standing significance within Japanese history. For instance, Yoshinaga Asano (1576–1613) was a feudal lord known for his governance in the Hiroshima domain. Notably, Asano's administration was marked by economic reforms and contributions to social order.

Another prominent figure was Yoshinaga Matsudaira (1764–1802), a daimyo who ruled over the Himeji domain. His leadership influenced social reforms and political strategies that cemented the surname's association with governance and wise rule.

The Yoshinaga surname also appears in the artistic and cultural spheres of Japan. Yoshinaga Sakurada (1872–1936) was a noted painter whose works contributed to the Meiji and Taisho periods' flourishing arts scene. His paintings often depicted serene natural landscapes, tying back to the cultural connotations of longevity implicit in the name.

In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Yoshinaga Takamori (1852–1911) emerged as a significant figure—an innovator and industrialist who played a role in Japan's modernization. Takamori's efforts were rooted in the belief of progress and continuity, reflecting the deeper meanings of his surname.

Cultural heritage is also evident in the literary domain with Yoshinaga Fujita (1911–1989), an acclaimed author and poet whose works encompassed themes of enduring human spirit and cultural identity. Fujita's writings further enriched the literary landscape of 20th-century Japan while honoring the historical weight carried by his surname.

The surname Yoshinaga, with its inherent connotations of good fortune and enduring legacy, encapsulates historical and cultural dimensions of Japan. Through various prominent figures and periods, the name has left a significant mark on Japanese history, echoing qualities of governance, innovation, artistic contribution, and cultural preservation.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yoshinaga

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

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

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

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