Mako
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Mako
Mako is a name used for both genders in Japan, most notably for the granddaughter of the emperor who chose to leave the Royal Family to marry a commoner. It's a simple name that translates easily to English-speaking cultures, though many will try to pronounce the first syllable with a long a. Mako also means "shark" in Maori, and is the name of two shark species.
Mako for boys#3064 US
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 #14288 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #11717 in 2024.
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 |
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Mako on lists
Famous Makos
- Mako IwamatsuBoy
An Oscar and Tony nominated Japanese,American actor (often credited as just Mako)
Mako in pop culture
- Mako IslandGirl
setting in "Mako Mermaids
- Mako MoriGirl
character in "Pacific Rim"
- MakoBoy
A character in Avatar: The Legend of Korra series, named in memory of voice actor Mako Iwamatsu who starred in the prequel series
- Mako Boy
Character in the 2022 Lisa Unger novel ‘Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six’