Watanabe in Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana

Origin of Watanabe

The clan traces its ancestry to Watanabe no Tsunemori (Minamoto no Tsunemori), the foremost of the Four Heavenly Kings of Yorimitsu famed for slaying demons. Its name originates from its base at Watanabe Port in Settsu Province. The Watanabe clan excelled as a naval force, mastering water transport and spreading throughout the nation. Incidentally, “Watanabe” literally means “the shore of the crossing,” referring to the area around present-day Tenmabashi facing Osaka Bay.

There is also a theory that this kanji was the original form.

Before “Watanabe” emerged, people used the name “Watabe,” which is said to originate from the occupation “watashi no be” (meaning “one who crosses by boat”) referring to those who crossed seas or rivers by boat. This connects to the aforementioned story of Minamoto no Tsunemasa. This theory suggests that “Watabe” is the predecessor.

Description of this work

The top row is in hiragana, the middle row in kanji, and the bottom row in katakana, all written horizontally.
Some people pronounce this kanji as “Watabe” and use it as their surname.

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

This name ranks 4th in this list.