What does Makoto mean and where does it come from?
The name Makoto (誠) is common in Japan and is often associated with honesty and sincerity. It can also be written using different kanji, which can alter its meaning slightly. Notable bearers of the name include Japanese professional wrestler Makoto, as well as several fictional characters within ani
Cultural significance
Makoto has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sincerity or truth.
Peak popularity
Reached #2037 in 1922 — currently #7135 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Makoto?
Makoto works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Makoto Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Makoto Rose
Floral · soft ending
Makoto Mae
Sweet · timeless
Makoto Claire
French influence · crisp
Makoto Jane
Literary · strong
Makoto Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Makoto right now?
Rising fast — up 1592 spots — currently #7135 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7135 | 12 | ▲ up 1592 · +33% births |
| 2022 | #8727 | 9 | ▲ up 4624 · +80% births |
| 2021 | #13351 | 5 | ▼ down 5302 · -44% births |
| 2020 | #8049 | 9 | ▼ down 2025 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #6024 | 14 | ▲ up 376 · +8% births |
| 2010 | #6400 | 13 | ▲ up 301 · +18% births |
| 2005 | #6701 | 11 | ▼ down 1124 · +10% births |
| 1995 | #5577 | 10 | ▼ down 509 |
| 1990 | #5068 | 10 | ▲ up 224 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #5292 | 7 | ▼ down 1368 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #3924 | 10 | ▲ up 1753 · +100% births |
| 1975 | #5677 | 5 | ▼ down 1369 |
| 1960 | #4308 | 5 | ▼ down 429 · -17% births |
| 1930 | #3879 | 6 | ▼ down 1308 · -50% births |
| 1925 | #2571 | 12 | — |
The story of Makoto
Makoto entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 507 total births recorded, Makoto remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4290 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7135 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Makoto in 1922:
Makoto by decade
Makoto peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 31 | |
| 1920s | 101 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 31 | |
| 1980s | 59 | |
| 1990s | 72 | |
| 2000s | 81 | |
| 2010s ★ | 107 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎Makoto has only 507 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Makoto?
What names sound and feel like Makoto?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Makoto also consider these
How is Makoto written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Makoto
What does the name Makoto mean?
Makoto means "sincerity or truth" — 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 Makoto?
Makoto is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Makoto have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Makoto?
Makoto 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 Makoto?
Makoto is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K OW1 T OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Makoto?
Makoto pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.