I understand the use of surnames began in Japan in the 1800's.
I hope someone can assist me. During the late Meiji Era our family emigrated from Japan to Puebla, Mexico.
Sadly our Japanese surname was changed to Spanish surname "REYES" because is it came
closest to the original by government officials. Yet, my grandmother who was a 2nd generation Mexican citizen,
always insisted that our surname was a mistake, that the original surname was something like "RAI" or "RHEE".
It sounded in spanish like Rey Or Ree/Rei
Please help. I'm confused is RAI a rare surname?
And Rhee seems to be a Korean immigrant surname, was it at one time considered a Japanese surname?
Sadly, I can't seem to find any information on "R" surnames.
I've only encoutered Reisen and Reizei. Please, what is the correct pronunciation?
I hope someone can assist me. During the late Meiji Era our family emigrated from Japan to Puebla, Mexico.
Sadly our Japanese surname was changed to Spanish surname "REYES" because is it came
closest to the original by government officials. Yet, my grandmother who was a 2nd generation Mexican citizen,
always insisted that our surname was a mistake, that the original surname was something like "RAI" or "RHEE".
It sounded in spanish like Rey Or Ree/Rei
Please help. I'm confused is RAI a rare surname?
And Rhee seems to be a Korean immigrant surname, was it at one time considered a Japanese surname?
Sadly, I can't seem to find any information on "R" surnames.
I've only encoutered Reisen and Reizei. Please, what is the correct pronunciation?
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