Yamamoto — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Japanese origin Rank #4,702 in the US 7,547 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,702
▼ Down 413 since 2000
People in the US
7,547
2.56 per 100K people
Origin
Japanese
Japanese

Origin & Meaning of the Yamamoto Surname

What does the last name Yamamoto mean?

The surname Yamamoto carries the meaning "Origin or base." 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 7,547 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yamamoto ranks as the #4,702 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Yamamoto come from?

The Yamamoto 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 Yamamoto name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Yamamoto 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.

Japanese Japanese

Quick Facts

Surname Yamamoto
Meaning Origin or base
Origin Japanese
Language Japanese
US Rank (2010) #4,702
US Count (2010) 7,547
Per 100K People 2.56
First Letter Y

Ethnic Distribution of Yamamoto

According to the US Census, the Yamamoto surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,547 Americans with the Yamamoto last name.

White 5.68%
Hispanic 3.88%
Asian/PI 79.82%
Two+ Races 10.52%
Ethnic distribution of the Yamamoto surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White5.68%
Hispanic3.88%
Asian/Pacific Islander79.82%
Two or More Races10.52%

Popularity of Yamamoto Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yamamoto surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#4,289
7,652 people
Down 413
Census 2010
#4,702
7,547 people

The number of Americans with the Yamamoto surname decreased by 105 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Yamamoto Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Yamamoto ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Yamamoto

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Yamamoto.

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 Yamamoto.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yamamoto

The surname Yamamoto is of Japanese origin. Origin or base
The surname Yamamoto is ranked #4,702 in the United States with approximately 7,547 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin or base. The name has Japanese roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Yamamoto surname is distributed as: 5.7% White, 79.8% Asian/Pacific Islander. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Yamamoto ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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