Summary

The surname Tanaka originates from Japan and is one of the most common surnames in the country. It is believed that the name Tanaka comes from the combination of two words: 'tana' meaning 'rice field' and 'ka' meaning 'surname'. This surname has a long history and is often associated with families of farmers and landowners.
There are
7994
Tanakas in the USA
Tanaka is the
4439th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Tanaka

TanakaGiichi

Tanaka Giichi was a Japanese general in the Imperial Japanese Army and the 26th Prime Minister of Japan. He is known for his role in leading Japan's aggressive militarization during the late 1930s and early 1940s.

TanakaKakuei

Tanaka Kakuei was a Japanese politician and the 64th Prime Minister of Japan. He is famous for his economic policies known as the 'Tanaka system' and for leading Japan's rapid industrialization in the 1970s.

TanakaHisashige

Tanaka Hisashige was a Japanese inventor and entrepreneur during the Edo period. He is known for his innovations in mechanical engineering, including the creation of the first wooden computer known as the 'Karakuri Doll'.

TanakaShinbei

Tanaka Shinbei was a samurai and military strategist during the late Sengoku period in Japan. He is famous for his role in the Battle of Sekigahara, where he fought alongside Tokugawa Ieyasu and contributed to their victory.

TanakaChigaku

Tanaka Chigaku was a prominent Buddhist scholar and reformer in Meiji-era Japan. He is best known for his efforts to modernize Buddhism and promote its integration with Western philosophy, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary society.

Tanaka Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Tanaka' originated in Japan.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Tanaka' is commonly found in various regions of Japan.
VariationsThere are no significant variations of the surname 'Tanaka'.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration patterns related to the surname 'Tanaka' occurred within Japan, particularly during periods of population movement across different regions of the country. The exact details and reasons for migration and immigration vary based on historical circumstances and individual family histories.