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

Yoshiyama, 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 Yoshiyama surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yoshiyama in America

Yoshiyama is the 146201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yoshiyama surname appeared 113 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 Yoshiyama.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yoshiyama 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 Yoshiyama

The surname Yoshiyama has its origins in Japan, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and detailed tradition of family names. The name Yoshiyama is a combination of two kanji characters: "yoshi" (良し or 吉), which can mean "good" or "fortunate," and "yama" (山), meaning "mountain." This nomenclature suggests a familial association with a mountain that is either considered good or fortunate. The name likely arose in a period when family names were becoming more structured and prominent in Japan, during the Heian or Kamakura periods, roughly spanning from the 8th to the 14th centuries.

The surname Yoshiyama is particularly associated with areas in Japan rich in mountainous landscapes, such as Kyushu or the Chubu region. These areas were historically fit for settlements that became family strongholds, and the surname would often be passed down to assert local identity and familial pride.

One of the earliest references to the surname Yoshiyama can be found in ancient land records from the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Specific manuscripts from this time period indicated the existence of one Yoshiyama Hiroshi, a landowner whose documented transactions involved fertile lands near mountainous regions. This establishes an early record of the name’s geographical and social relevance.

A notable individual bearing the surname Yoshiyama was Yoshiyama Kenshiro, a samurai warrior who served under the daimyo of the Kurume Domain in the early Edo period (1603-1868). Kenshiro’s loyalty and military contributions are recorded in various historical chronicles, such as the Kurume Domain’s vessel records, illustrating the influence and prominence of the Yoshiyama name in feudal Japan. Yoshiyama Kenshiro was born in 1615 and passed away in 1689.

In the academic sphere, Yoshiyama Haruka, a renowned scholar of the late Edo period, contributed significantly to the fields of classical Japanese literature and philosophy. Her works are still referenced in the academic circles studying Edo-period literature. Haruka’s scholarly pursuits were well-documented in university archives, reflecting the Yen-Revivalism movement that she actively participated in until her death in 1845.

Another historical figure, Yoshiyama Koichiro, was a politician in the Meiji era (1868-1912) who played a vital role in the modernization of Japan. Koichiro was instrumental in drafting early electoral reforms and served as an advisor to key government officials. Born in 1845 and deceased in 1910, Yoshiyama Koichiro’s political career spanned a transformative period in Japanese history.

Yoshiyama Ayako, an acclaimed artist during the Taisho and early Showa periods (1912-1945), is known for her traditional Japanese ink paintings and calligraphy. Her works often depicted serene mountain landscapes, possibly inspired by her surname. Ayako’s art was featured in several prestigious exhibitions, contributing significantly to the preservation and celebration of traditional Japanese art forms.

Finally, Yoshiyama Taro, a noted author in the post-war Showa period, wrote several influential novels that explored Japan’s cultural and social landscape. Taro’s writing, profoundly reflective of his understanding of historical progression, drew heavily from his ancestral roots. Taro, born in 1921 and deceased in 1976, left a lasting literary legacy that continues to be studied and appreciated.

The surname Yoshiyama carries with it a deep cultural and historical resonance, encapsulating elements of geography, family legacy, and social contributions through various periods of Japanese history. Through the lives and accomplishments of individuals like Yoshiyama Hiroshi, Kenshiro, Haruka, Koichiro, Ayako, and Taro, the name has etched a enduring mark in historical records and cultural heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yoshiyama

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

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

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

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