Kamo

Kamo is a name with multiple uses, most commonly in Japan. It can be a place name, a surname, or part of the name of religious sites. In Japanese, the element Kamo can be written with different kanji, and its meaning varies accordingly.

In geography, Kamo appears in several Japanese place names, including the Kamo River (Kamo-gawa) in Kyoto. The river provides the scenic setting for the historic Kamigamo Shrine (Upper Kamo Shrine) and Shimogamo Shrine (Lower Kamo Shrine), two of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto and together part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a surname, Kamo is used in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. It can be found in various kanji representations, reflecting different family lineages and histories.

Beyond Japan, Kamo is occasionally used as a place name in other countries, sometimes reflecting historical connections or unrelated linguistic origins. The term’s exact meaning and usage depend on local context and script.