Origin and Meaning of Tanaka

Rice field in the middle

Origin: Japanese - The name Tanaka (田中) is a common Japanese surname. The first character 田 (ta) means 'rice field' and 中 (naka) means 'middle' or 'center'.

• Tanaka is a prevalent surname in Japan, and it is often used as a place name as well.
• The name can indicate a geographical connection to rice farming, which has historically been significant in Japanese culture.
• Notable bearers include Tanaka Yoshiki, a famous Japanese musician, and Tanaka Shōzō, a noted painter.
• Tanaka is commonly ranked among the top surnames in Japan, illustrating its wide usage.
• Related names include Taniguchi (田口) meaning 'river mouth of the rice field' and Takahashi (高橋) which is another popular surname.