Meaning & History
Etymology and Origin
Yokota is a Japanese surname derived from the elements yoko (横), meaning “beside, next to,” and ta (田), meaning “field, rice paddy.” The name likely originated as a topographic or locational surname describing someone who lived near a field or paddy. Such composite surnames are common in Japan, often referencing geographical features or landmarks associated with the bearer's ancestral home.
Distribution and Demographics
According to the 2010 United States Census, Yokota is the 34,539th most common surname in the United States, with 655 bearers. It is most prevalent among individuals of Asian/Pacific Islander heritage (80.0%). The name is also standard in Japan, though precise frequency data within Japan is not provided.
Notable Bearers
The name Yokota is strongly associated with historical and prominent figures. Noted bearers include Yokota Shōkai (a prominent samurai clan), Megumi Yokota (a Japanese woman abducted to North Korea), and Yūsuke Yokota (a Japanese footballer). The surname also appears in the context of Yokota Air Base, a U.S. military installation in Tokyo, named after a local area. Key facts:
- Meaning: “beside the field” (横田)
- Origin: Japanese
- Type: Topographic/locational surname
- Usage regions: Japan, United States, global diaspora
Sources: Wiktionary — Yokota