Origin & Meaning of the Ishikawa Surname
What does the last name Ishikawa mean?
The surname Ishikawa carries the meaning "River." It is derived from the Japanese language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,696 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ishikawa ranks as the #16,833 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ishikawa come from?
The Ishikawa surname has its roots in Japanese heritage. Names of Japanese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Ishikawa name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ishikawa trace back to Japanese. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Ishikawa |
|---|---|
| Meaning | River |
| Origin | Japanese |
| Language | Japanese |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,833 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,696 |
| Per 100K People | 0.57 |
| First Letter | I |
Ethnic Distribution of Ishikawa
According to the US Census, the Ishikawa surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,696 Americans with the Ishikawa last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 7.02% |
| Hispanic | 2.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 80.31% |
| Two or More Races | 9.73% |
Popularity of Ishikawa Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ishikawa surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ishikawa surname decreased by 15 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Ishikawa
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Other Japanese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Japanese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Japanese origin as Ishikawa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ishikawa
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