Holding steady, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Makoto since 1915
Babies named Makoto per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 101 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 72 |
| 2000s | 81 |
| 2010s | 107 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Makoto is a Japanese name most commonly associated with the kanji 誠, meaning 'truth' or 'sincerity.' Its earliest recorded use in U.S. Social Security data dates back to 1915, with a peak in 1922 when it ranked highest in frequency. The name has remained consistently present but uncommon, with a stable trajectory over the decades. In the latest year recorded, 2025, it stood at rank 7,194 with approximately 1 in 155,280 births. Though rare, it carries a clear and virtuous meaning that appeals to families seeking a distinctive yet culturally rich name. Its use in Japan is unisex, but in U.S. data it is predominantly male. No top states for the name are recorded, suggesting it is spread thinly across the country. Given its modest but steady presence, Makoto exemplifies a name that has quietly persisted without any sharp revival or decline.
Makoto is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji characters, most commonly 誠 (makoto, meaning 'truth' or 'sincerity') or 真 (ma, 'true, real') combined with 琴 (koto, 'harp') as in 真琴. The name has been used for both boys and girls, though historically more common for males. It gained some recognition in English-speaking countries through cultural exports.
Sibling names for Makoto
Names that share Makoto's style, for a brother or sister.
