Ishii

Ishii is a Japanese surname, most commonly written 石井, a compound meaning "stone" (ishi) and "well" (i). The character combination is a conventional toponymic and nature-based surname pattern in Japan, and Ishii is among the more common family names in the country, with many independent lineages sharing the name.

Historically, Ishii arose in multiple regions, rather than from a single clan. The surname typically indicates a geographic origin tied to a location featuring a stone well or similar landmark, though not all bearers are descended from the same progenitor. In modern times, bearers of the name are found across Japan and in Japanese communities abroad, including North and South America, and parts of Europe.

In terms of appearance, Ishii is almost always associated with the kanji 石井, though some individuals may use different kanji spellings with the same reading in rare cases. The standard romanization is Ishii; alternative spellings may appear in older documents or personal choices.

Notable people with the surname exist in sports, academia, the arts, and business, reflecting the name's broad presence in Japanese society, though no single figure is universally identified with the name.