Surname Saka - Meaning and Origin
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Saka: What does the surname Saka mean?
The surname Saka is a variant of the name Sakai or Sakaguchi, which is Japanese in origin. It means "a family of Sakaguchi," a reference to the Sakaguchi line of Japanese nobility. While the exact origin of the name is unclear, it likely has its roots in the Japanese language, as the word for Sakaguchi is “Sakai” and is derived from the verb “sakasu”, meaning “to increase”.
The surname is most common among Japanese people and can also be found in other countries, such as Canada, the United States, and China. It is believed to have come to the Western world through the immigration of Japanese people to North America during the ‘Meiji period’ (1868-1912).
The Saka surname may be associated with various notable figures in Japanese history, such as the Saka clan of 6th century warriors, the 15th century samurai, Sakamoto Saka, and the Buddhist priest and activist, Sanzo Saka. The surname also carries a special meaning in Japan; many regard the Saka family as an embodiment of perseverance, pride, and honor.
In short, the surname Saka has a long and profound history in the Japanese culture, often representing the values of perseverance and honor. With its expansion to other countries, the name has come to hold an even deeper and universal meaning; it stands as a reminder of our common humanity and the bonds we share regardless of background, nation, or creed.
Order DNA origin analysisSaka: Where does the name Saka come from?
The surname Saka is primarily found in Japan, where it is estimated to have been used by over one million people. It is also common in India and Sri Lanka, though the numbers are much lower. In addition to these countries, there are also small communities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, as well as in South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where the surname can be found.
The origin of the name is unclear. Some theories suggest that it is derived from a combination of two Japanese characters: 栄 (ei), which means to flourish, and 果 (ka), meaning fruit. Others propose that the name has its roots in Sanskrit, based on the title 'Sakatada,' which means 'good discipline/order.'
In Japan, the surname is often associated with Zen Buddhism and is given to those who have achieved spiritual enlightenment. The families who bear the name often trace their ancestry back to Saka-mune, the first Saka-no-Kami, or Grandmaster, of Zen Buddhism in Japan during the thirteenth century.
The surname Saka can also be found among the Ryukyuan people of Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, with the spelling being 'Sakii.' Some historians believe that the people of Ryukyu are descended from people who travelled from the Asian mainland during the Yayoi Period (ca. 300 BC-AD 300).
In addition to its prevalence in Japan and other Asian countries, Saka is also the name of at least four small villages in Croatia, in addition to other scattered locations across the world.
Variations of the surname Saka
Saka is a surname of Japanese and Okinawan origin. Variants of this surname include Sakai, Sakamoto, Sakaoka, Sakabara, and Sakamoto. Variations of the same origin include Saca and Saaka.
Saka originated during the feudal period of Japan. Sakai was the name of a pre-modern merchant family in Hizen Province. The Sakamoto family originated in Mutsu Province and was part of an old samurai group. Sakaoka was part of the Akasaka samurai clan of Echigo Province. The Sakabara family descended from lower-ranked samurai lords in the Sengoku period.
Due to the large number of Japanese immigrants beginning in the 19th century, there are variants of Saka found all over the world. While not of the same origin, similar surnames include Saito, Sakakura, Sakaiya, Sakaihara and Sakano.
Saka is primarily a Japanese surname, but is also found in other countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. It is one of the most common surnames in the Okinawa prefecture, with almost 6000 people registered to have it in that prefecture alone. In total, the surname Saka has over 17,200 people registered in Japan.
Famous people with the name Saka
- Errole Saka: Actor, known for The Legend of Bruce Lee, Black Storm and Flash Point.
- King Kaka: Kenyan musician, Know for hit singles Mama, Story GTA and Wajinga Nyinyi.
- Sadio Mané: Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Senegalese national team.
- Seifu Fantahun: Ethiopian television host and musician.
- Priscilla Saka: Ghanaian film actress, known for her roles in the movies Devil in the Detail, Big Trouble In Little Gomoa, and Family Heist.
- Chaka Saka: Nigerian sprinter, known for competing in the 200 metres event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Richard Isaka Saka: Tanzanian politician, former Cabinet Minister in the Tanzanian government and senior ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party member.
- Harry Saka: Ugandan business man and politician, most known for being the former Mayor of the City of Kampala.
- Sam Saka: Ghanaian rapper, regarded as one of the best hip hop rappers in Ghana’s music industry.
- Kanenmwan Nagu Saka: Nigerian politician, member of the All Progressives Congress, and former member of the Nigerian House of Representatives.