Mako is a unisex given name, originating from Japan, meaning "true, genuine, or realistic". It is often used as a nickname for Makoto, which means "true" or "genuine", emphasizing honesty and sincerity. The name Mako gained popularity worldwide after the success of the animated film "Finding Nemo", featuring the character Mako, a great white shark with a distinctive personality. In Japanese culture, mako also refers to a type of shark, further adding to its unique appeal.
The name Mako experienced a significant increase in popularity from 5 births per year in the late 70s and early 2000s to peak years of 28 births in 2022 and 27 births in 2023, totaling 221 births over the specified period.