Origin & Meaning of the Sato Surname
What does the last name Sato mean?
The surname Sato carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,095 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sato ranks as the #4,956 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sato come from?
The Sato surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian 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 Sato name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sato trace back to Asian. 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 | Sato |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,956 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,095 |
| Per 100K People | 2.41 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sato
According to the US Census, the Sato surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,095 Americans with the Sato last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 9.12% |
| Black | 1.07% |
| Hispanic | 7.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 73.54% |
| Native American | 0.14% |
| Two or More Races | 8.77% |
Popularity of Sato Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sato surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sato surname increased by 231 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Asian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Asian origin as Sato.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sato
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