Child of truth; or a species of shark
In Japanese, Mako is most commonly a feminine name meaning 'child of truth' (from 'ma' meaning truth and 'ko' meaning child). Separately, it is the Maori word for the shark species, which has led to its occasional use as a bold, nature-inspired unisex name in English-speaking contexts.
Less common today
Mako isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,054 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Academy Award-nominated Japanese-American actor
Former member of the Japanese Imperial Family
Firebending police officer and pro-bender · The Legend of Korra
Jaeger pilot and military commander · Pacific Rim
