Find out how popular the first name Mako has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mako by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Mako is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 79% of people named Mako being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 27 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Mako.

The history of the first name Mako

The name Mako has its origins in the Japanese language and culture. It is derived from the Japanese word "mako," which means shark or true shark. The name is believed to have been first used during the Edo period in Japan, which spanned from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century.

Mako was initially used as a name for boys, with the intention of bestowing qualities associated with sharks, such as strength, resilience, and fierceness. In Japanese mythology, sharks were often revered as powerful and majestic creatures, making the name a desirable choice for parents seeking to instill these traits in their sons.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mako can be found in the historical records of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled over Japan during the Edo period. The name appears in several family registries and official documents from that era, indicating its widespread use among the samurai and noble classes.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mako. One of the most famous is Mako Iwamatsu (1915-2006), a Japanese-American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Crimson Kimono" and "Midway." Another prominent figure was Mako Sasaki (1900-1961), a Japanese baseball player who played for the Yomiuri Giants and was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

In the world of sports, Mako Nomachi (born 1982) is a Japanese swimmer who has competed in multiple Olympic Games and won several medals at the Asian Games and Pan Pacific Championships. In the realm of literature, Mako Yoshikawa (1908-1983) was a renowned Japanese poet and author known for her works exploring themes of feminism and social commentary.

Another notable figure was Mako Kagaku (1926-2010), a Japanese actor and voice actor who lent his talents to numerous anime and video game productions, including the popular Dragon Ball series, where he voiced the character of Master Roshi.

As the name Mako has traveled beyond its Japanese origins, it has gained popularity in other cultures and languages, often retaining its association with strength, resilience, and a connection to the natural world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mako was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mako, please contact us.

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