Origin & Meaning of the Watanabe Surname
What does the last name Watanabe mean?
The surname Watanabe 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 6,204 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Watanabe ranks as the #5,605 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Watanabe come from?
The Watanabe 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 Watanabe name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Watanabe 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 | Watanabe |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,605 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,204 |
| Per 100K People | 2.1 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Watanabe
According to the US Census, the Watanabe surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,204 Americans with the Watanabe last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.85% |
| Hispanic | 3.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 79.4% |
| Two or More Races | 10.2% |
Popularity of Watanabe Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Watanabe surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Watanabe surname decreased by 91 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Watanabe
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