Explore the Family Name Kamei

The meaning of Kamei

Japanese: written 亀井 ‘turtle well’. It is found mostly in western Japan. One noble family, descended from the Minamoto, first settled in Izumo (now part of Shimane prefecture), and later in Inaba (now part of Tottori prefecture). Some characteristic forenames: Japanese Itsuo, Kazuo, Kenzo, Midori, Takayuki, Asao, Chiyoko, Daisuke, Eiji, Eiko, Emiko, Haruko.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Kamei in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Kamei has grown in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, the name was ranked 62,775th most common in the United States, but by 2010 it had risen to 58,481st, an increase of approximately 6.84 percent. The overall count of individuals with the Kamei surname also increased during this period, growing from 298 in 2000 to 347 in 2010, a rise of 16.44 percent. The proportion of the population with this surname per 100,000 people likewise saw a slight increase, going from 0.11 to 0.12.

20002010Change
Rank#62,775#58,4816.84%
Count29834716.44%
Proportion per 100k0.110.129.09%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kamei

Turning to the ethnic identity associated with the surname Kamei, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals a shift over time. In 2000, the majority of those bearing the surname identified as Asian/Pacific Islander at 82.55 percent; however, this percentage noted a decrease by 2010 to 74.93 percent. Those identifying as two or more races saw a small increase from 6.71 to 7.78 percent. The percentage of individuals identifying as white dropped slightly from 5.70 to 5.19 percent. The most significant change is seen in the Hispanic category, which grew from 4.36 percent in 2000 to 6.63 percent in 2010, a jump of 52.06 percent. Additionally, the Black category emerged in 2010 at 5.48 percent, where no such identification was marked in 2000. There was no change in the American Indian and Alaskan Native category, remaining at 0 percent in both years.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander82.55%74.93%-9.23%
Two or More Races6.71%7.78%15.95%
Hispanic4.36%6.63%52.06%
Black0%5.48%0%
White5.7%5.19%-8.95%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%