Shimizu Meaning: Japanese Surname 清水, Readings, and Stroke Order

The surname Shimizu (清水) is written with two kanji: 清 and 水. A simple literal meaning is “clear water.”

• 清 means “clear,” “pure,” or “clean.”
• 水 means “water.” It keeps its usual reading mizu: the surname is read shi-mizu (しみず).

Like many Japanese surnames, Shimizu may be connected to a place name or a local feature, such as clear water, a spring, a stream, or another water-related location.

However, surname origins can vary by family line, region, and historical records. The kanji give a clear image of “clear water,” but they do not always provide one fixed origin story for every family named Shimizu.

Looking at each kanji helps explain why the surname is easy to remember.

The standard reading for the surname 清水 is Shimizu.

Reading Note: 清水 is read as one word, しみず (shi + mizu), the same as the everyday word for clear spring water. 水 keeps its usual reading mizu; 清 is not normally read shi on its own, so it is easiest to learn しみず as a whole. The same two kanji are read kiyomizu (きよみず) in the Kyoto place name of 清水寺 (Kiyomizu-dera).

The romaji spelling is Shimizu. It is usually pronounced in three short parts: shi-mi-zu.

• Shi: Close to “she,” but short and light.
• Mi: Close to “me,” but kept short.
• Zu: Close to “zoo,” but shorter.

There are no long vowels in しみず, so forms like Shimizū or Shimizuu are not needed.

Shimizu is a useful surname for learners because the kanji meaning is clear and memorable. 清 means clear or pure, and 水 means water.

The reading is easiest to remember as one word, しみず: shi + mizu. The name is pronounced shi-mi-zu, with no long vowels.

As with all Japanese names, it is still best to confirm the person’s own preferred reading and written form when accuracy matters.

Is Shimizu a common surname in Japan?

Yes. Shimizu is a familiar and widely recognized Japanese surname. Japanese learners are likely to encounter this name in media, examples, and everyday name lists.

What is the origin of the Shimizu surname?

Shimizu literally means “clear water.” It is often explained as a place-name type surname connected with clear springs, streams, or waterways. However, the exact background can vary by family line, region, and historical records.

Are there other ways to write Shimizu?

清水 is the standard and most commonly seen kanji form for this surname. Other rare spellings may exist, so a person’s own written name should always be confirmed when accuracy matters.

Does Shimizu have a long vowel?

No. The standard reading しみず has no long vowels. The romaji is written simply as Shimizu, without a macron.