Hirata

Hirata is a Japanese surname and place name. The most common kanji spelling is 平田, meaning “flat field” or “even field.” As a toponym, Hirata appears in several locations in Japan, including districts and neighborhoods, reflecting its origin as a geographic descriptor. As a surname, Hirata is found across Japan and in Japanese communities abroad, and it is borne by people in a variety of professions. The name is also used in fiction, education, and branding, taking advantage of its neutral, everyday character. In historical and genealogical contexts, Hirata records can be found in regional documents, census materials, and genealogies, illustrating the name’s long-standing presence in Japanese society.