What does the surname Yamada mean?

The surname Yamada means "Mountain rice field or field in the mountains.". It is of Japanese origin.

How common is the Yamada surname?

There are approximately 1,800,000 people with the surname Yamada in the United States.

Yamada

Topographic

Meaning

Mountain rice field or field in the mountains.

Etymology

Composed of 'yama' (mountain) and 'da' (rice field), indicating a location where rice was cultivated in mountainous terrain. This is one of the most common Japanese surnames.

About the Yamada Surname

One of Japan's most prevalent surnames, derived from agricultural and geographical features. The name reflects the importance of rice cultivation in Japanese society and settlement patterns.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 1,800,000 bearers in the United States #32 most common surname

Rare Common

Extremely common throughout Japan and among Japanese diaspora worldwide.

Notable Bearers

People with the Yamada Surname

Waka Yamada

Quick Facts

Origin: Japanese
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: Medieval Japan
Estimated Bearers: 1,800,000