天草

Etymology
.

Etymology 1
Compound of.

The surname likely comes from the place name, the derivation of which is uncertain. Theories include:
 * Named for the  that lived in the archipelago in the region, as reported in the  (720 CE)
 * Named for the harvested in the area
 * Shift from from grazing areas in the region

Etymology 2
Compound of.

Uses the on'yomi of ten for the character.

Noun

 * 1) any of the red algae of the genus
 * 2) agar