Explore the Family Name Nakazawa

The meaning of Nakazawa

Japanese: written 中沢 ‘central swamp’. It is mainly found in central Japan and the island of Okinawa. Though written with different characters today, it is of the same origin as Nagasawa; both are common placenames. Several bearers are of Minamoto origin, through various lines. Some characteristic forenames: Japanese Hiroshi, Akio, Takao, Chiyoko, Fumiko, Goichi, Hajime, Hideo, Hideyuki, Hikari, Hiroki, Ichiro.

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

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

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Nakazawa has seen a decline in popularity. In 2000, Nakazawa was ranked as the 59,453rd most common name in the United States, with a count of 318 instances. By 2010, it dropped to the 65,424th position, with the count decreasing by 4.72% to 303. The proportion per 100,000 also saw a decrease, from 0.12 in 2000 to 0.1 in 2010, representing a 16.67% change.

20002010Change
Rank#59,453#65,424-10.04%
Count318303-4.72%
Proportion per 100k0.120.1-16.67%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Nakazawa

When considering ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census reveals that the majority of individuals with the surname Nakazawa identify as Asian/Pacific Islander. From 2000 to 2010, this group increased marginally from 81.76% to 82.51%. During the same period, those identifying as White saw a 15% increase, making up 7.59% of the Nakazawas in 2010. Meanwhile, those identifying with two or more races decreased significantly from 10.06% to 6.60%. The Hispanic representation in the Nakazawa population also saw a considerable rise at 89.17%, although still relatively small in number, going from 1.57% to 2.97%. There were no individuals identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either census year.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander81.76%82.51%0.92%
White6.6%7.59%15%
Two or More Races10.06%6.6%-34.39%
Hispanic1.57%2.97%89.17%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%