Nakagawa

Nakagawa is a Japanese surname and place name. The surname is written with the kanji 中川, meaning "central river" or "middle river." It is a common family name in Japan, found across many prefectures, and is also present in Japanese communities abroad.

As a surname, Nakagawa ranks among the more widely distributed names in Japan, reflecting historical patterns of river-related toponymy and settlement. The name has been borne by numerous individuals who have contributed in fields such as politics, science, education, sports, and the arts, illustrating its long-standing presence in Japanese society.

Nakagawa also appears as a toponym in Japan. There are several municipalities and district names across different prefectures that use Nakagawa, typically connected to geographic features or historical riverine areas. The exact administrative status and kanji can vary by locale, and in some cases related place names may share similar readings even if the characters differ.

In summary, Nakagawa denotes a common Japanese surname tied to the meaning "central river," and it functions as a toponym in multiple regions, reflecting the country’s river-centered geographic and social history.