Mako in Japanese – Mako is a short well loved name in Japan and around the world! Learn more about the name Mako, its meaning, nicknames, middle name matches, sibling pairing names and so much more.

What is the meaning, origin and syllables of Mako

Let’s dive right into the meaning, origin and syllable count for the name Mako. Mako is a word with different meanings and origins, depending on the context and culture. Here are some possible explanations:

  • In Japanese, Mako (魔女) means “witch” or “sorceress.” It consists of two kanji characters: “ma” (魔), which means “devil” or “demon,” and “ko” (女), which means “woman.” Mako is also a Japanese given name, which can have different kanji combinations and meanings, such as “truth” (真子), “dance” (舞子), or “jasmine” (真香).
  • In Maori, Mako means “shark.” The Mako is a type of shark found in the waters of New Zealand and Australia, also known as the “blue pointer” or “mackerel shark.”
  • In the African Bantu language, Mako means “hand” or “arm.”

The word Mako is composed of two syllables: “ma” and “ko.”

Middle Names For Mako with meanings and origins

A middle name has a hard job to do! Firstly, it has to tie the first name with the last name. Secondly, it has to compliment the first name with an equally strong meaning. Lastly, it has to sound great. Here are some middle name options for Mako with their meanings and origins:

  1. Mako Emiko: Emiko is a Japanese name that means “beautiful blessing.” It is composed of the kanji characters “emi” (blessing) and “ko” (child).
  2. Mako Akira: Akira is a Japanese name that means “bright” or “clear.” It can be written with different kanji characters, such as “aki” (bright) and “ra” (good) or “kira” (shine).
  3. Mako Tatsuo: Tatsuo is a Japanese name that means “dragon man.” It consists of the kanji characters “tatsu” (dragon) and “o” (man).
  4. Mako Leilani: Leilani is a Hawaiian name that means “heavenly flower” or “royal child of heaven.” It is composed of the words “lei” (flower) and “lani” (heavenly).
  5. Mako Aiden: Aiden is an Irish name that means “fiery one” or “little fire.” It is derived from the Gaelic word “aodh” (fire) and was popularized in the 21st century.
  6. Mako Amara: Amara is a Greek name that means “eternal” or “unfading.” It is derived from the Greek word “amarantos” (unfading) and can also be associated with the Hindu concept of “immortality.”
  7. Mako Lucia: Lucia is a Latin name that means “light” or “bringer of light.” It is derived from the Latin word “lux” (light) and was often given to girls born during the festival of Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr associated with light.

It’s worth noting that some of these names may have different associations or meanings in different cultures or languages. These middle names sound great with the name Mako.

Nicknames for Mako with meanings

Nicknames are always terms of endearment. Firstly, they can be short forms to the name itself. Secondly, it can be a play on the name. Lastly, people give nicknames based on a person’s looks or skillset. We have some nicknames that play on the name Mako or are short forms of the name. Here are some possible nicknames for Mako with their meanings:

  1. Mak: This is a simple and short nickname for Mako that retains the first syllable of the name.
  2. Maki: This is a cute and affectionate nickname for Mako that adds the common Japanese diminutive suffix “-ki” to the end of the name. It can also mean “roll” in Japanese, referring to sushi rolls.
  3. Makoto: This is a Japanese name that means “sincerity” or “truth,” but it can also be used as a nickname for Mako. It is composed of the kanji characters “ma” (truth) and “koto” (thing).
  4. Max: This is an English nickname that sounds similar to Mako and can be used as a more Westernized option. It can also be short for “Maxwell” or “Maximilian,” which mean “great stream” and “greatest” respectively.
  5. Mac: This is a shortened version of Mako that sounds more casual and friendly. It can also be a nickname for Scottish surnames that begin with “Mac,” such as MacKenzie or MacLeod.
  6. Mo: This is a short and sweet nickname for Mako that removes the middle syllable. It can also mean “moment” in English, emphasizing the idea of living in the present.
  7. Sharky: This is a playful nickname that references the Maori meaning of Mako as “shark.” It can be a fun and unique nickname for someone who loves the ocean or has a fierce and determined personality.

These are just a few of the many great nicknames for Mako that you will love.

Sibling boy names that pair well with Mako

One day Mako may get a sibling. We have some great sibling boy names that pair well with Mako. They are beautiful names with strong meanings. Here are some sibling boy names that pair well with Mako:

  1. Kaida: Kaida is a Japanese name that means “little dragon” or “little fiery one.” It has a similar exotic and adventurous feel as Mako and shares a connection to Japanese culture.
  2. Kai: Kai is a Hawaiian name that means “sea” or “ocean.” It is a short and catchy name that complements the short and strong sound of Mako.
  3. Rio: Rio is a Spanish name that means “river.” It is a simple and lively name that has a similar aquatic association as Mako.
  4. Akio: Akio is a Japanese name that means “bright” or “man of value.” It has a similar meaning and origin as Akira, which was mentioned earlier as a middle name option for Mako.
  5. Sora: Sora is a Japanese name that means “sky.” It has a similar nature-inspired and peaceful quality as Mako, and it is also a unisex name, like Mako.
  6. Kian: Kian is a Persian name that means “grace of God” or “royal.” It is a simple and elegant name that has a different origin and cultural background than Mako, which can add diversity to the sibling names.
  7. Ryo: Ryo is a Japanese name that means “distant” or “cool.” It is a short and distinctive name that can pair well with Mako’s strong and unique sound.

Any of these strong Japanese boy names would sound great with Mako.

Sibling girl names that pair well with Mako

In the future, Mako may have a sister. These girl names are strong and have beautiful meanings. Here are some sibling girl names that pair well with Mako:

  1. Aria: Aria is a Latin name that means “air” or “song.” It has a light and graceful quality that can complement Mako’s strong and adventurous sound.
  2. Saki: Saki is a Japanese name that means “blossom” or “hope.” It shares a connection to Japanese culture and has a similar exotic and feminine quality as Mako.
  3. Nami: Nami is a Japanese name that means “wave.” It has a similar aquatic association as Mako and a simple and charming sound.
  4. Luna: Luna is a Latin name that means “moon.” It has a celestial and mystical quality that can complement Mako’s nature-inspired and adventurous sound.
  5. Kaida: Kaida is a Japanese name that means “little dragon” or “little fiery one.” It was mentioned earlier as a possible sibling name for Mako, but it can also work as a unisex name for girls with its unique and fierce sound.
  6. Mei: Mei is a Chinese name that means “beautiful” or “plum.” It is a short and sweet name that has a different origin and cultural background than Mako, which can add diversity to the sibling names.
  7. Kaia: Kaia is a Hawaiian name that means “sea” or “ocean.” It shares a similar connection to nature as Mako and has a simple and modern sound.

Any of these sibling girl names would be perfect for the name Mako.

Celebrities or notable people with the name Mako

There are many celebrities and notable people that share the name Makol. This name has been popular for decades. Many families have named their child Mako over the years. Here are some notable people with the name Mako:

  1. Mako Iwamatsu (1933-2006) was a Japanese-American actor and voice artist known for his roles in films such as “The Sand Pebbles,” “Seven Samurai,” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.”
  2. Mako Kamitsuna (born 1977) is a Japanese professional golfer who has competed in various golf tournaments around the world.
  3. Mako Mermaids is a television series produced by Jonathan M. Shiff that aired from 2013-2016. The series follows the adventures of a group of mermaids, one of whom is named Mako.
  4. Mako Vunipola (born 1991) is an English rugby player who plays for the Saracens and the England national team. He has won several awards and accolades for his performance in the sport.
  5. Mako Midori (born 1932) is a Japanese actress and voice artist known for her work in anime and television dramas. She has lent her voice to many popular characters, including Granny Chiyo in “Naruto” and Dr. Kureha in “One Piece.”
  6. Mako Hattori (born 2004) is a Japanese figure skater who has competed in national and international competitions, winning several medals and awards.
  7. Mako Tanida is a fictional character in the television series “The Blacklist.” She is a Japanese gangster and the daughter of a Yakuza boss who seeks revenge against the protagonist, Raymond Reddington.

Considering that Mako is not an extremely popular name there are many people who have achieved great things from this name.

Is the name Mako popular

The name Mako is not currently a very popular name in the United States, but it has been increasing in popularity in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, Mako was given to 94 baby boys in 2020, ranking at #2,449 in popularity. As for girls, the name Mako was given to 5 baby girls in 2020, making it an extremely rare name for girls.

Overall, Mako is still considered a relatively uncommon name in the United States, but its popularity has been growing steadily in recent years.

Similar names to Mako with meanings

Looking for a great name that is similar to Mako? Mako may be a great name but you are looking for something similar to but not exactly like Mako. Here are some similar names to Mako with their meanings:

  1. Akira: Akira is a Japanese name that means “bright” or “clear.” Like Mako, it is a unisex name and has a connection to Japanese culture.
  2. Makoto: Makoto is a Japanese name that means “truth” or “sincerity.” It shares a similar sound and origin as Mako and has a positive and meaningful meaning.
  3. Kaida: Kaida is a Japanese name that means “little dragon” or “little fiery one.” It has a similar exotic and adventurous feel as Mako and can also work as a unisex name.
  4. Ryo: Ryo is a Japanese name that means “distant” or “cool.” It has a short and distinctive sound like Mako and a connection to Japanese culture.
  5. Kian: Kian is a Persian name that means “grace of God” or “royal.” It has a different origin and cultural background than Mako, but shares a similar simple and elegant sound.
  6. Sora: Sora is a Japanese name that means “sky.” Like Mako, it is a unisex name and has a nature-inspired and peaceful quality.
  7. Aki: Aki is a Japanese name that means “autumn” or “bright.” It has a short and catchy sound like Mako and a connection to Japanese culture.

These are great alternative names to Mako. Alternatively, you may want to try our baby name generator.

Mako Name

The name Mako is short, sweet and loved by families for decades. It works with so many different middle names. It also has a few great nicknames you can use. Choosing Mako for a baby name is a wonderful choice for any family!