Mako
About Mako
Though this simple, appealing name works for both genders in Japan, it's best known as the name of the princess who chose to leave the Royal Family in order to marry a commoner. As a boys' name, it can be a short form of Makato. Mako also means "shark" in Maori, and is the name of two shark species.
Pronounced MAH-koh.
As of October 2026, Mako ranked #3064 in US births in 2025 SSA.
Editor's take: The name Mako is a boy's name meaning "sincerity".
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | #4,291 | 24 | 13.4 |
| 2020 | #4,502 | 22 | 12.7 |
| 2021 | #4,325 | 24 | 13.7 |
| 2022 | #3,950 | 28 | 16 |
| 2023 | #4,076 | 27 | 15.8 |
| 2024 | #4,970 | 20 | 11.6 |
| 2025 | #3,064 | 40 | 23.4 |
Similar names
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Mako on lists
Famous Makos
- Mako Iwamatsu
An Oscar and Tony nominated Japanese,American actor (often credited as just Mako)
Mako in pop culture
- Mako
A character in Avatar: The Legend of Korra series, named in memory of voice actor Mako Iwamatsu who starred in the prequel series
- Mako
Character in the 2022 Lisa Unger novel ‘Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six’