Kitagawa is a Japanese surname that has occasionally been used as a given name.
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: “North river” (北川) – “kita” meaning “north” and “gawa” meaning “river”
Popularity: Uncommon as a first name, more common as a surname in Japan
Inspiration: The name Kitagawa is often inspired by geographical features, as many Japanese names are. It may be chosen to honor family heritage or to connect a child to the idea of strength and flow, like a river.
As a given name, Kitagawa is quite rare, which might appeal to parents looking for a unique name with strong cultural ties. It’s more frequently encountered as a surname in Japan and among people of Japanese descent worldwide.
