Maki

“真木 (True tree)”

Japan origin · Unisex name

♂ 72% boys♀ 28% girls

#11716US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

659All-time births

📅 Since 197000

How to pronounce Maki

MAH·kee

/ˈmɑ.kiː/ · stress on MAH · 2 syllables

“真木 (True tree)”

Japan origin · Unisex name

What does Maki mean and where does it come from?

Maki is a Japanese name that can be used for girls. It is a name with multiple meanings depending on the kanji characters used. The characters '真木' mean 'true tree', symbolizing strength and resilience, while '麻紀' can mean 'hemp chronicle', connecting to the historical use of hemp in Japan. Maki can

Cultural significance

Maki has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 真木 (true tree).

Peak popularity

Reached #7282 in 1973 — currently #11716 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Maki?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Machi

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Maki?

Maki works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Maki Grace

How popular is Maki right now?

Rising fast — up 1881 spots — currently #11716 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#11716 · Top 8.6%

1970

1975

1980

1990

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11716	6	▲ up 1881 · +20% births
2022	#13597	5	▼ down 8125 · -71% births
2021	#5472	17	▲ up 8309 · +143% births
2010	#13781	7	▼ down 430
2005	#13351	7	▲ up 2239 · +40% births
2000	#15590	5	▼ down 3660 · -17% births
1990	#11930	6	▼ down 702 · +20% births
1980	#11228	5	▼ down 3473 · -29% births
1975	#7755	7	▲ up 1429 · +40% births
1970	#9184	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maki

Best Year2021Rank #5472

Peak Count17

Average Rank#11360

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202310 years

The story of Maki

Maki is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 659 total births recorded, Maki remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9184 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11716 in 2023. Maki is used for both genders: 28% female and 72% male.

Names that peaked alongside Maki in 1973:

Jennifer Amy Michelle Kimberly Lisa

Maki by decade

Maki peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	48
1980s	18
1990s	66
2000s ★	303
2010s	216
2020s	8

💎Maki has only 659 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Maki?

Common

MakMakieMaky

What names sound and feel like Maki?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maki also consider these

American · gift of God

Common questions about the name Maki

What does the name Maki mean?

Maki means "真木 (True tree)" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Maki?

Maki is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Maki?

Maki originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Maki?

Maki is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 K IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Maki a common or rare name?

Maki is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.