Surname Kondo - Meaning and Origin
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Kondo: What does the surname Kondo mean?
The last name Kondo is a Japanese surname that is a rare but recognisable surname in Japan. It is an unisex name and is thought to have originated from the two-character Kanji compound ‘Kon-do’, which is composed of the characters ‘Kon’, meaning ‘Golden’, and ‘Do’, meaning ‘path’. The implied meaning here is ‘the way of the Golden Light’, as the light of gold is traditionally seen as a way displaying divine guidance and success.
The current Japanese population of those with the last name Kondo is quite small, with most existing representatives found in Hiroshima Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture. However, this has not always been the case and evidence points to the Kondo surname being used in the surrounding areas during the Edo period (1600-1868).
Kondo is an ancient surname and one meaning is ‘harsh truth (gold) and way (path)’. This is believed to represent the harsh path of truth and the importance of finding what’s true and good in life. This reflects the family’s adherence to a strict code of honour and doing the right thing in the right way, no matter what the circumstances are.
The name Kondo also carries a heavy sense of tradition, pride, and loyalty. The importance of honouring one’s heritage is strongly emphasised, and making sure one’s relatives are looked after, taken care of, and respected is of utmost importance. In essence, it is a name that carries respect, tradition, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisKondo: Where does the name Kondo come from?
The last name Kondo is most common in Japan today, where it is the 14th most common surname. It is believed that this surname originated from the judge of the court of Takeshima Province during the Heian period (794-1192). It can also be found in various countries around the world, including South Korea, Taiwan, China, and the United States, where it is most commonly found amongst those of Japanese ancestry.
In South Korea, the Kondo surname is the 542nd most common name, and it is estimated that there more than 2000 Korean people sharing the Kondo surname. In Taiwan, this last name is considered rare, and is only shared by around 4,000 people with Japanese lineage on the island. In China, the name Kondo is also quite rare, with fewer than 1000 people sharing it.
In the US, Kondo is the 20,698th most common surname for Americans, but is much more common among those of Japanese descent. According to the 2010 US Census, around 397,000 people of Japanese descent have the Kondo surname, making it the 11th most common last name among this demographic.
Overall, the Kondo surname is relatively common in Japan, and is becoming increasingly more common throughout Asia and the US. While it is still considered rather rare around the world, the name Kondo carries a long history and proud heritage.
Variations of the surname Kondo
The Kondo surname is an ancient and widespread one, with variations and spellings originating from English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Jewish, and Japanese cultures. Some of the most common Kondo spellings and surnames include Kendo, Kondō, Kōndō, Kontō, and Kōntō. These variations can also be found with alternate spelling, such as Kundu, Kanda, and Kondau in German and French, Quondam in Italian, and Condó in Spanish. In Jewish cultures, the surname is Yiddish and spelled as Kondoo.
In Japan, the Kondo surname is written as 近藤, which comprises of two kanji characters that translate to mean "near" and "wisteria." It is one of the few surnames to have a musical and poetic association, as the characters form the word "Kintoki," the name of a hero in an ancient Japanese folktale.
The variations of the Kondo surname can also be seen in differing patronymic forms, all of which are derived from the same root. These forms include Konde, Tsumada, Kotoya, Ashikaga, Kuninaga and many more.
The Kondo surname is found worldwide, with the list of variations continuing to grow over time. Whether transcribed in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Jewish or Japanese contexts, the surname is significant reminder of our shared humanity.
Famous people with the name Kondo
- Marie Kondo: International organizing consultant, author, and star of the popular Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”
- Michi Kondo: Japanese actor, best known for her role in the 1998 award-winning movie, Shall We Dance?
- Hiroshi Kondo: Japanese physicist and creator of the "Kondo effect"
- Ryuji Kondo: Japanese professional shogi player
- Yoshimitsu Kondo: Japanese professional wrestler known for his appearances in Pro Wrestling Noah during the 2000s
- Paul Kondo: Federated States of Micronesia national soccer player
- Shigeyuki Kondo: Japanese senior consultant in charge of global projects for Kodansha
- Masahiko Kondo: Japanese singer-songwriter
- Daisuke Kondo: Japanese professional Go player and the 19th honinbo
- Takayuki Kondo: Japanese football player.