The kabane (hereditary title) of the Empress Dowager was "Yamato", her imina (personal name) was "Niigasa", and she was the daughter of Ototsugu who held the rank of Shoichii (Senior First Rank).'
「皇太后姓は和氏、諱は新笠、贈正一位乙継の女（むすめ）なり。