How common is the Ukai surname?

There are approximately 5,000 people with the surname Ukai in the United States.

Ukai

Q: What does the surname Ukai mean?

The surname Ukai means "Composed of characters meaning 'cormorant' and 'sea' or 'ocean'.". It is of Japanese origin.

Occupational

Meaning

Composed of characters meaning 'cormorant' and 'sea' or 'ocean'.

Etymology

The name derives from Japanese elements 'u' (cormorant) and 'kai' (sea/ocean), likely referencing the traditional cormorant fishing practice. This occupational or locational origin reflects historical Japanese fishing communities.

About the Ukai Surname

Ukai is a Japanese surname with roots in traditional fishing practices, particularly cormorant fishing. The name reflects occupational heritage from medieval and early modern Japan.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 5,000 bearers in the United States #1,656 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in Japan, particularly in regions with historical fishing traditions.

Notable Bearers

People with the Ukai Surname

Takeshi Ukai

Reverend

Quick Facts

Origin: Japanese
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: Medieval Japan
Estimated Bearers: 5,000