Surname Shimizu - Meaning and Origin
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Shimizu: What does the surname Shimizu mean?
The last name Shimizu is found primarily in Japan, though it is also common in other parts of Asia. It is derived from the Japanese word, shimizu, which means “clear water” or “water without turbidity”. This name is thought to have been taken from a folktale that told of a legendary clear stream that was home to a dragon.
The Shimizu family is believed to have originated during the Heian Period (794-1185 CE). There are various theories about the family's origin, but most point back to a powerful samurai who lived in the Shimizu district during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE). This samurai clan adopted the powerful ideals of bushido and were known for their expertise in swordsmanship, martial arts, and archery.
Today, the Shimizu family is well-known in Japan for its influence in politics, industry, arts, and entertainment. Many members of the Shimizu family have been highly respected in society and have made their mark on a variety of different fields.
Shimizu is also an international surname that has seen increased use in other parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In Japan, Shimizu is among the most common surnames. It is a name that carries a strong sense of heritage and is reflective of the powerful warriors from which it was derived.
Order DNA origin analysisShimizu: Where does the name Shimizu come from?
The last name Shimizu is most common in Japan, where it is one of the most widely used surnames. It is estimated that around 10% of the Japanese population have this surname, which translates literally as 'full of clarity'. This surname is also common among descendants of Japanese immigrants to the United States, particularly on the West Coast, where it is one of the most common Asian surnames. Additionally, it is also found in China, Korea, and other countries in East and Southeast Asia.
The origin of the name Shimizu can be traced back to the Heian period of Japan (794–1185). During this time, there were many clans and families who adopted surnames that represented their power and status. At the time, the Shimizu clan were prominent landowners in the area of Miyazaki. It is likely that they chose their surname for its meaning of ‘clarity’.
Today, the Shimizu name is associated with many prominent Japanese businesses, such as Shimizu Construction and Shimizu Corporation. It is also the name of an international shipping company that was founded in 1876 in the port city of Nagasaki. The Shimizu family continues to hold a prominent and respected standing in Japanese society, and their name is considered a symbol of quality and reliability.
Variations of the surname Shimizu
The surname Shimizu is of Japanese origin, originating from the Shinto religion. It is a two-syllable name commonly found throughout Japan. Variants, spellings, and other surnames with the same origin as Shimizu include the following:
Shimazu: This is the alternative spelling of Shimizu, commonly used in Japan and the West.
Shimazawa: This is another classic variant of the surname Shimizu.
Shimazaki: An alternate spelling of the surname Shimizu, which is commonly used in Japan and the West.
Simizu: Similar to the spelling of Shimizu, but with the initial “S” pronounced as a “T” instead.
Shimabukuro: This is an influential Japanese surname that derived from the Shimizu family.
Shimogawa: This variant of the surname Shimizu derives from the famous Shinto shrine of the same name.
Shimoto: Another variant of Shimizu that also is of Shinto origin.
Shimokawa: This variant is also of Shinto origin, with many extant families in Japan.
Shimosaka: Coming from the Shimizu family, Shimosaka is a commonly used variant of Shimizu.
Yamazaki: This surname is said to derive from the famous Shimizu clan, and is commonly used in Japan.
Kurosawa: This surname is believed to have been made up of the characters “kuro” meaning black and “sawa” which was believed to stem from the Shimizu family.
Shimoda: Traditional Japanese surname that is believed to be of the same origin as Shimizu.
Shimokita: This is another common variant of Shimizu, and is found in many sections of Japan.
Shibusawa: This is another variant of the Shimizu family, which is traced back to the Edo period.
Overall, the surname Shimizu has many variants, spellings, and surnames that all share the same origin. Each of the variants varies in terms of Japanese characters and pronunciation, though all of them are believed to have been derived from the same Shinto origin.
Famous people with the name Shimizu
- Saori Shimizu: Japanese voice actress
- Hiroshi Shimizu: Japanese film director
- Yutaka Shimizu: Japanese professional baseball player
- Naoko Shimizu: Japanese fashion model
- Eika Shimizu: Japanese actor
- Tomomi Shimizu: Japanese singer and songwriter
- Hiroyo Shimizu: Japanese professional wrestler
- Naruyo Shimizu: Japanese musician
- Taiko Shimizu: Japanese pianist and composer
- Kana Shimizu: Japanese singer and actress
- Koichi Shimizu: Japanese actor and musician
- Reika Shimizu: Japanese actress
- Shizuka Shimizu: Japanese professional chef
- Keisuke Shimizu: Japanese skier
- Takashi Shimizu: Japanese film director
- Kyouko Shimizu: Japanese swimmer
- Shunsuke Shimizu: Japanese rock musician
- Seigi Shimizu: Japanese animator
- Ryuichi Shimizu: Japanese professional golfer
- Tomoko Shimizu: Japanese singer and actress