Surname · Japanese origin
Inoue
Meaning
The surname Inoue means Above the well (井上).
Origin
Japanese
Type
toponymic
The origin of the surname Inoue
Inoue (井上) means “(dweller) above the well.”
What kind of surname is Inoue?
Inoue is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from. It belongs to the Japanese naming tradition — you can read how Japanese surnames were formed on our Japanese last names page.
Other Japanese surnames
Other toponymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Inoue mean?
The surname Inoue means Above the well (井上). Inoue (井上) means “(dweller) above the well.”
Where does the surname Inoue come from?
Inoue is a surname of Japanese origin.
What kind of surname is Inoue?
Inoue is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from.
What are other Japanese surnames?
Other Japanese surnames include Hashimoto, Hayashi, Ikeda, Ishikawa, Ito, Kato.