Yoshida in Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana

The origin of Yoshida

There are two main theories regarding the origin of the name: one is based on the place name, and the other is derived from “Yoshida,” which refers to rice fields with positive connotations.

Cases derived from place names

The place name “Yoshida-cho” is said to have originated from the Muromachi period, when the area was covered with reeds and was called “Ashida” (reed field).
Since “Ashida” evoked the word “Ashi(悪し)” (bad), meaning “bad field,” the character ‘Yoshi(吉)’ (good) was used to name the area “Yoshida,” according to one theory.
However, “吉” (yoshi) is not the antonym of “悪し” (ashi); “良し” (yoshi) is the precise antonym. ‘吉’ (yoshi) is primarily a word meaning a good omen. Its antonym is “凶” (kyo).

The “good field” origin

Among the fields that were considered valuable assets, those that brought abundant and good harvests were called “Yoshida” from “good field.”
This name was derived by using the character “Yoshi(吉),” which is considered auspicious, to represent “Yoshida.”

Explanation of the calligraphy

The upper section features large pop-style calligraphy in kanji, while the lower section has hiragana on the left and katakana on the right.

Japanese American Surname Ranking (U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 Survey)

Japanese surnames are the 10th most common among Japanese Americans.