ohno

Ohno is a Japanese surname commonly romanized as Ōno or Ohno, with alternative spellings such as Ono. It derives from the kanji 大野, meaning “large field” or “great field.” The name is relatively common in Japan and can be found across regions; the same kanji can also be read as Ono, depending on historical or regional usage.

In Japanese, the surname Ohno belongs to a broader category of family names that use 大野, and its pronunciation can vary with context. As with many Japanese names, different readings may appear in passport or school records, sometimes leading to multiple English spellings for the same family.

Notable individuals with the surname include Kazuo Ohno (1906–2010), a pioneering Japanese dancer who helped develop the art form known as butoh and is regarded as a foundational figure in the discipline. The Ohno surname is borne by many other people in various professions, including arts, science, and sports, reflecting its commonality in Japan.

Related surnames in English transcription include Ono, which can represent the same kanji but with a different reading. The name Ohno may appear in genealogical, cultural, and biographical contexts involving Japanese heritage.