Izumi

Izumi is a Japanese name and toponym that appears in various contexts in Japan. The meaning of Izumi depends on the kanji used. The most common reading 泉 means “spring” or “fountain.” A toponymic form such as 和泉 can be interpreted as “harmonious spring” or “peaceful spring,” and these kanji combinations are used for place names as well as personal names. As a given name, Izumi is gender-neutral and widely used; as a surname, it appears in multiple families with different kanji spellings.

Historically, Izumi Province was a former province in the Kinai region of central Japan, aligning with parts of today’s southern Osaka Prefecture. The province contributed to the region’s political and cultural development during the early and classical periods of Japanese history. The name continues to be used in modern geography, appearing in several municipalities and districts that incorporate Izumi as part of their names, with kanji variations that reflect local history and geography.

In contemporary use, Izumi functions as both a place name element and a personal name across Japan. It is found in communities that bear the reading Izumi in their official names, as well as in neighborhoods and districts within larger cities. The name’s versatility and literary resonance also make it a popular choice for fictional characters in manga, anime, and literature.

See also: disambiguation pages for Izumi and related readings such as Oizumi.