Rising since 2006, #3,036 for boys today.
Popularity of Mako since 1977
Babies named Mako per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 17 | 10 |
| 2010s | 24 | 105 |
| 2020s | 25 | 161 |
Meaning & origin
Mako entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1977, a rare and simple two-syllable name that has experienced a steady rise in popularity since 2006. In 2025 it reached its peak rank of 3,036, with about 1 in 42,702 newborns receiving the name. While its origins are diverse and debated, ranging from Japanese characters meaning 'honest child' to the Polynesian word for a species of shark, the name has found a modern niche among parents seeking short, distinctive names. Florida (FL) recorded the highest usage of Mako among U.S. states, suggesting a possible association with coastal or tropical influences. The name's trajectory reflects a broader trend toward minimalist, cross-cultural names.
Mako has multiple potential origins. In Japanese, it can be written with characters meaning 'honest child' (真子) or 'loam' (真土). In Māori and other Polynesian languages, mako refers to a type of shark. In the United States, Mako has been used as a modern given name since the late 20th century, possibly influenced by the shark or by Japanese culture. Its usage remains rare but has been steadily rising since 2006.
Where Mako is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Mako
Names that share Mako's style, for a brother or sister.
