EtymologyKonishi (小西) is a Japanese surname composed of two kanji characters: ko (小) meaning "small" and nishi (西) meaning "west." The name thus literally translates to "small west" or "little west."Notable BearersProminent individuals bearing the surname Konishi include Konishi Hirosada (ca. 1810–1864), a Japanese ukiyo-e artist of the Osaka school known for kabuki actor prints. In the sciences, Gaku Konishi (1934–2018) was a physicist, and Masakazu Konishi (1933–2020) was a renowned neurobiologist noted for studying songbirds. In sports, Akane Konishi (born 1995) is an ice hockey player, and Hiroyuki Konishi (born 1963) a gymnast. The arts also feature voice actors Katsuyuki Konishi (born 1973) and Hiroko Konishi (born 1975), as well as actress Manami Konishi (born 1978). Japanese comedians Minoru and Takazo Konishi shared their active namesake, the duo Konishiki — though their stage name partly derived from the surname via sumo wrestler Konishiki (born Salevaa Atisanoe), a Hawaiian of Samoan descent who adopted that shikona ring name.Distribution and HeritageThe Konishi surname is moderately common throughout Japan. Its bearers historically trace to samurai clans, notably the Konishi clan of Sengoku-period warlord Konishi Yukinaga, a daimyō and Christian convert who served Toyotomi Hideyoshi.Meaning: Small westOrigin: JapaneseKanji: 小西Type: Surname