In Kinai (areas around Kyoto and Osaka), myoshu were mostly influential farmers who were themselves engaged in farming, but in other areas, especially in Kanto regions (region including Tokyo), retainers of warrior class were often included among myoshu.
また、名主は、畿内周辺では農業経営に携わる有力百姓としての性格が強かったが、その他の地域では豪族的な者もおり、特に関東では武士の郎党的な者も多かった。