Surname Matsui - Meaning and Origin

Matsui: What does the surname Matsui mean?

The surname Matsui is derived from the old Japanese term "Matsu," which means "pine tree." This surname is most commonly used by descendants of Fujiwara no Miyoshi, a powerful clan belonging to the Kii Province of Japan during the Heian Period.

The Matsui surname is one of a few to have been directly adopted by Japanese society, as the village of Matsuoka in the Nara prefecture was named after the Fujiwara no Miyoshi clan. This name is still present in some areas of Japan today.

The name has a positive connotation surrounding it, due to its connection to a productive farming community and the natural beauty of the pine tree. It is believed that the people of Matsui were a group of wise entrepreneurs who utilized the resources of their surroundings to increase the prosperity of their people.

In present day, the Matsui surname is still widely used in Japan. It is also seen in American families with Japanese heritage or those with East Asian decent. The name is also becoming more accepted in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Regardless of its origin, the Matsui surname maintains its overwhelmingly positive connotation, making it an appropriate name for success in any culture. As a reminder of the Fujiwara no Miyoshi clan’s noble past, it has served as a distinguished symbol of honor for Japanese ancestors and family lines.

Matsui: Where does the name Matsui come from?

The last name Matsui is common in Japan today, and can also be found in other parts of the world as a result of emigration. In Japan, Matsui is a very popular surname and is one of the top 100 surnames in the country. It is believed to have originated from the Matsudaira clan, which used the name during the Sengoku period.

Outside of Japan, Matsui is more common in North America than any other region, especially in the US, Canada and Mexico. It is estimated that there are around 140,000 people who bear the last name Matsui in North America. California has the highest population with over 40,000 people who have the Matsui surname, followed by New York with around 20,000 people. Other states with high populations of Matsui-surnamed individuals include Hawaii, Washington, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Additional populations of Matsui-surnamed individuals have also been reported in Europe, South America, and Australia. Although fewer in numbers outside of Japan, more people with the Matsui last name are likely to be found in other parts of the world as the flow of emigration continues.

Variations of the surname Matsui

Matsui (松井) is a common Japanese surname derived from the Japanese elements ‘matsu’, meaning pine tree; and ‘i’, meaning well.

Variants

The Matsui surname has several common variants, including Matsu; Matsuyama; Matsudaira; Matsuoka; and Matsushima.

Spelling

The surname can be spelled with the kanji characters 松井, 松居, 松尾, 松岡, 松島, 松本, or 松田.

Surnames of the same origin

Surnames of the same origin as Matsui include Yamanaka (山中), Kanai (金井), Arai (新井), Kogami (小神) and Sekimoto (関本).

Famous people with the name Matsui

• Hideki Matsui: former professional baseball player for the New York Yankees, called “Godzilla” during his playing days in the MLB.
• Matsui Jurina: member of the Japanese idol girl group, AKB48.
• Kaz Matsui: former professional baseball player for the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, and Japan's Hanshin Tigers.
• Kazuhiko Matsui: martial artist and former WBC Muay Thai heavyweight champion.
• Ken Matsui: actor and musician best known for his roles on Japanese television shows, including “Kagi no Kaikon” and “Jinsei Gekijo.”
• Keiko Matsui: world-renowned jazz pianist and composer.
• Kosuke Matsui: professional tennis player and winner at the 2011 Australian Open Junior Championships.
• Shunsuke Matsui: sumo wrestler and the 60th yokozuna in the modern history of the sport.
• Yuu Matsui: actress, singer, and former member of the Japanese idol group, Morning Musume.
• Jun Matsui: tattoo artist and creator of various tattoo styles, including “Sakura-style” and “Dragon-style.”

Other surnames

Matsumoto