Sugiharas

Sugiharas is a surname of Japanese origin. It is composed of two kanji characters. The first character, "sugi" (杉), refers to the Japanese cedar tree, a common and important species in Japan known for its durable wood. The second character, "hara" (原), means plain, field, or meadow. Therefore, the surname can be interpreted as relating to a cedar plain or a field of cedars.

The Sugihara family name is found throughout Japan. Like many Japanese surnames, it likely originated from a geographical location or a descriptor of the land where an ancestor lived. Surnames in Japan became common during the Meiji period, when a decree mandated that all families adopt surnames. Prior to this, only samurai and noble families typically had surnames.

Notable individuals bearing the Sugihara surname include Chiune Sugihara, a diplomat who saved over six thousand Jewish refugees during World War II by issuing transit visas against the wishes of his government. His courageous actions have made the name internationally recognized. Other individuals with the surname may be prominent in various fields such as business, arts, and sports within Japan. The prevalence and significance of the Sugihara name are tied to both its naturalistic origins and the historical actions of its bearers.