Rising since 2013, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Minato since 2013
Babies named Minato per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 67 |
| 2020s | 61 |
Meaning & origin
Minato is a modern Japanese name that entered U.S. records in 2013, making it relatively new to American naming. In 2025, it ranked 6,803 with a rarity of 1 in 142,340 births, reflecting its uncommon but rising popularity. Its peak year was 2016, though usage has since fluctuated. The name's trajectory has been generally increasing since 2013, suggesting growing awareness. Minato is identical to the Japanese word for 'harbor' or 'port', but as a given name its meaning is not fixed and may be chosen for its sound or aesthetic. The name has not yet charted in any top states, indicating it remains a niche choice. Parents drawn to Japanese culture or unique, short names may find Minato appealing.
The etymology of Minato is uncertain, but it is identical to the Japanese word for 'harbor' or 'port' (港). As a given name, Minato appears to be a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the word or by characters used in other names. It has been in use since at least 2013 in the United States, where it has seen modest but increasing use.
“Minato” around the world
Where Minato lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mina, Nato
Sibling names for Minato
Names that share Minato's style, for a brother or sister.
