Mako

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAH-koh /ˈmɑ.koʊ/Medium

Meaning: From Maori mako, 'a shark' (the swift mako shark); also Japanese 'truth, sincerity' (kanji-dependent); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Swift and bold: Mako is Maori for 'a shark' (and Japanese 'truth'). Crisp, strong, and warm.

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Origin MediumMaori, Japanese

MeaningFrom Maori mako, 'a shark' (the swift mako shark); also Japanese 'truth, sincerity' (kanji-dependent); routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#4970 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 241

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mako comes from Maori mako, 'a shark' (the fast, powerful mako shark) — and from Japanese, 'truth, sincerity' (depending on the kanji; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, bold name (actor Mako Iwamatsu; Pacific Rim's Mako Mori).

In the U.S. it appears in Japanese and Pacific families. Rare, a-shark-or-truth at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Mako means 'a shark' in Maori (the swift, fierce mako shark) — and 'truth, sincerity' in Japanese (kanji-dependent); a crisp, bold, cross-cultural name (actor Mako; Pacific Rim's Mako).

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Mako — routes layered

Variations

MakotoMahko

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mako…

Kai— a fellow short sea name

Ryo— a companion Japanese name

Nico— another short -o boys' name

Miko— shares Mako's Japanese roots

Nikko— another Japanese name

Explore names like Mako

By themeuncertain nature japanese maori

By meaningTruth

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mako mean?

Mako is Maori for 'a shark', and Japanese for 'truth, sincerity'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Mako?

It's said MAH-koh /ˈmɑ.koʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mako a boy or girl name?

Mako is a boy's name (used for both).

How popular is Mako?

Mako is a rare name in the U.S.