Ito
A Japanese surname, most famously written 伊藤, meaning “wisteria” in a family-name form that often comes from an old place-name or clan name.
The #7,644 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 71,074 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Ito is a Japanese surname most commonly written 伊藤, with the second element 藤 (to or fuji) meaning “wisteria,” a very common and prestigious element in Japanese surnames. The first character 伊 is often used phonetically in surnames and does not usually contribute a clear standalone meaning in modern use. In broad terms, the name is tied to the large Japanese surname family built on the wisteria element, which appears in many related names.
History
Ito is one of the most widespread surnames in Japan and has been borne by many notable figures, including statesmen, artists, and athletes. In Romanization it is often written Ito or Itō, with the long vowel sometimes marked by a macron. In English-language records, it is also common as a simplified spelling of the Japanese name.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Japan, surnames containing 藤 are especially common because the character became a favorite aristocratic and clan-associated name element over time.
From the historical record
“Robot de Cove, co. Norf., JO Edw. ITO1. Uarried — Jeremiah Bien aad Blii. CoK : St. Geo. Mas. Sq. 11794. London, 3. OoTsll. OoreUe, OorllL— Lo- cal, 'of Colville,' q.v. ; a corruption. 'Jolin Covrl, CottII. or Colvill (1618- 1719). Uailer of Ctariat'a ColIc|;e, Ca»- bridrc, waa bom at HorninF^ieaUi, SuSSu^' &c …”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances