Kodera

Kodera is a Japanese term that can refer to a surname as well as a place name. In romanized form it is written as Kodera and may correspond to different kanji representations depending on historical and regional usage.

A common kanji rendering for the surname is 小寺, which literally means “small temple.” However, other kanji combinations are also used for the same reading, reflecting diverse family origins and regional naming practices. The form and meaning of the name can vary among individuals and communities.

As a surname, Kodera is found among people in Japan and in Japanese communities abroad. It appears across various regions and can be carried by families with connections to different local histories, temples, or landmarks. The specific lineage and cultural context behind any given bearer of the name can differ widely.

Kodera also appears in geographic names, where toponyms may share the same or similar kanji or readings. In such cases, the origin of the place name often ties to local landmarks, such as a temple, or to historical landholders associated with a particular site.

Origin and meaning of the surname frequently reflect ties to a small temple or nearby religious sites, a common feature in rural and historic Japanese communities. Because Kodera can be written with multiple kanji and read in different ways, disambiguation is sometimes required to identify a particular person or place. This article provides a general overview; specific entries should be explored in targeted sources.