"true child; sincerity"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Mako
Pronunciation: [ m-AHK-oh ]
Does Mako flow with your last name?
A bold two-syllable name crossing cultures
Japanese
Hawaiian
Maori
Strong
Minimalist
Bold
Modern
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"shark"
Origin: Maori/Hawaiian
Language: Maori
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with mako shark (can be seen positively as strong)
The Story of Mako
Mako is a Japanese name typically written with kanji meaning true (真) combined with child (子) or heart (心), giving meanings like true child or sincere heart. In Hawaiian and Maori cultures, Mako is associated with the shark, a creature of power and grace. This cross-cultural resonance makes it one of the rare names that works beautifully across very different traditions.
Mako gained Western exposure through the manga and anime Naruto, where Mako appears as a character name. The name also received attention through Avatar: The Legend of Korra, where Mako is a key protagonist, bringing the name to millions of fans.
In Maori culture, the mako shark is a symbol of speed, power, and excellence in navigation. In Japan, the name carries connotations of sincerity and authenticity — deeply valued virtues.
Historical Record
Mako first appeared in US Social Security records in 1977.
Over 241 babies have been named Mako in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mako is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,887 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mako Iwamatsu was a legendary Japanese-American actor known for his role in Conan the Barbarian
- In Maori, mako refers to both the shark and the shark tooth used in traditional jewelry
- Mako is a protagonist in the animated series The Legend of Korra
Mako in Other Languages
Maori
Mako
Korean
마코
Chinese
玛珂
Hawaiian
Mako
Japanese
マコ
Popularity Over Time
#4,887
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mako
P
Princess Mako
Royalty
1991
Former Japanese princess, eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko
M
Mako Iwamatsu
Actor
1933
Japanese-American actor and director, Tony Award nominee known for Sand Pebbles and Conan the Barbarian
M
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Compare Mako with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,887
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Hawaiian Maori
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mak
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mako
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Mako is also used as a girl name, ranked #15432.
View Mako as a girl name →Similar Names
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"heavenly strength"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mako
What does the name Mako mean?
"true child; sincerity" (from Japanese). "shark" (from Maori/Hawaiian). Mako is a Japanese name typically written with kanji meaning true (真) combined with child (子) or heart (心), giving meanings like true child or sincere heart. In Hawaiian and Maori cultures, Mako is associated with the shark, a creature of power and grace. This cross-cultural resonance makes it one of the rare names that works beautifully across very different traditions.
What is the origin of the name Mako?
Mako has Japanese, Maori/Hawaiian, Hawaiian, and Maori origins. In Japanese, it means "true child; sincerity". In Maori/Hawaiian, it means "shark".
Is Mako a boy or girl name?
Mako is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4887. As a girl name, it is ranked #15432. Mako is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mako?
Mako is pronounced m-AHK-oh.
How popular is the name Mako?
Mako is currently ranked #4887 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mako?
Common nicknames for Mako include Mak.
What are good middle names for Mako?
Popular middle name pairings include Mako James, Mako Lee, Mako River, Mako Kai, Mako Finn, and Mako Cole.
What are good sibling names for Mako?
Names that pair well with Mako as siblings include Kai, Ryo, Hana, Sora, Niko, Yuki, and Zen.
How many syllables does Mako have?
Mako has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mako a common or rare name?
Mako is an uncommon name, ranked #4887 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Mako?
About the Name Mako
Mako is a boy name with Japanese, Hawaiian, and Maori origins . The name means "true child; sincerity" in Japanese .
Is Mako a boy or girl name? Mako is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,887 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #15,432. Mako is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mako is currently ranked #4,887 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mako has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHK-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mako include Mak. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mako include Makai, Makari, Makoa, Makaio, Maksim . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis