How popular is the baby name Mako in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Mako.

The graph will take a few moments to load. (Don't worry, it shouldn't take 9 months!) If it's taking too long, try reloading the page.


Popularity of the baby name Mako


Posts that mention the name Mako

Where did the baby name Mako come from in 1977?

Actor Mako in the musical "Pacific Overtures" (1976).
Mako in “Pacific Overtures

The curious name Mako first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1977:

  • 1979: unlisted
  • 1978: unlisted
  • 1977: 5 baby boys named Mako [debut]
  • 1976: unlisted
  • 1975: unlisted

Why?

The influence seems to be Japanese-American actor Makoto Iwamatsu (1933-2006), who was usually credited mononymously as “Mako.”

He’d been appearing in films and on TV since the late ’50s, but in the mid-’70s he starred in the Broadway musical Pacific Overtures (1976) by Stephen Sondheim. His portrayal of several characters in the play earned him a Tony nomination for ‘Best Actor in a Musical.’

In one 1976 newspaper interview, he described the origin of his stage name:

I picked up the single name of Mako when I was in basic training [U.S. Army] in South Carolina. The sergeant could never pronounce my name correctly at mail call. On principle, I never answered.

Next he tried calling me Shorty. When that didn’t work, he finally shouted: ‘Hey, you damn Yankee.’ That was the first time I really felt like an American. That broke the ice. We compromised, and I agreed to answer to Mako.

In Mako’s case, the first name Makoto is written with a kanji character that means “sincerity” in Japanese.

What are your thoughts on the name Mako?

Sources:

  • Lewis, Emory. “Asians can act, too: Mako.” Record [Hackensack, NJ] 4 Apr. 1976: 58.
  • Mako – Wikipedia

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state, 2019

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2019?

And which names only popped up in the data for a single state in 2019?

All the answers are below!

Alabama

  • Alabama’s top girl name: Ava
  • Alabama’s top boy name: William
  • Alabama’s 4 unique girl names: Brelynn, Jamaria, Kenslie, Vella
  • Alabama’s 6 unique boy names: Wheeler, Kyser, Walton, Whitaker, Zaylon, Zylon

Alaska

  • Alaska’s top girl name: Emma & Evelyn (tie)
  • Alaska’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • Alaska’s 1 unique boy name: Hatcher

Arizona

  • Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arizona’s top boy name: Liam
  • Arizona’s 5 unique girl names: Aolanis, Ariza, Zona, Kamri, Polly
  • Arizona’s 1 unique boy name: Aric

Arkansas

  • Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arkansas’s top boy name: William
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique girl name: Savvy
  • No unique boy names.

California

  • California’s top girl name: Olivia
  • California’s top boy name: Noah
  • California’s top 10 unique girl names: Aashvi, Mannat, Emiko, Roxy, Sehaj, Metztli, Yadira, Aiko, Cathy, Daliah (total of 558)
  • California’s top 10 unique boy names: Ekan, Armen, Fateh, Remmy, Hiro, Agam, Angad, Manraj, Rick, Skye (total of 421)

Colorado

  • Colorado’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Colorado’s top boy name: Liam
  • Colorado’s 2 unique girl names: Ellamae, Analaya
  • No unique boy names.

Connecticut

  • Connecticut’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Connecticut’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • Connecticut’s 1 unique boy name: Lukasz

Delaware

  • Delaware’s top girl name: Emma
  • Delaware’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique baby names.

District of Columbia

  • D.C.’s top girl name: Olivia
  • D.C.’s top boy name: William
  • No unique baby names.

Florida

  • Florida’s top girl name: Emma
  • Florida’s top boy name: Liam
  • Florida’s top 10 unique girl names: Serayah, Ainoha, Anaelle, Anthonella, Derin, Franchesca, Jaelle, Vasilisa, Arielys, Gaelle (total of 100)
  • Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Omarion, Platon, Chayse, Adams, Ameir, Jakhi, Luccas, Mako, Chauncey, Enrico (total of 98)

Georgia

  • Georgia’s top girl name: Ava
  • Georgia’s top boy name: Liam & William (tie)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Dallis, Honest, Mayleigh, Armonie, Carrigan, Collier, Jahlani, Kaidyn, Khylee, Kylei (total of 36)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Akari, Lawton, Yohannes, Cali, Chozen, Ikenna, Kamir, Mills, Sanchez, Tyshaun (total of 29)

Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Hawaii’s top boy name: Noah
  • Hawaii’s 6 unique girl names: Lilinoe, Hiilei, Hilinai, Tehani, Haukea, Kealohilani
  • Hawaii’s top 10 unique boy names: Kaimana, Kainalu, Laakea, Keahi, Ryzen, Aukai, Haaheo, Ikaika, Kaniela, Kawelo (total of 12)

Idaho

  • Idaho’s top girl name: Emma & Olivia (tie)
  • Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique baby names.

Illinois

  • Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Kayloni, Dariah, Katalyna, Melah, Shaelyn, Shanti, Ajla, Daniya, Jalynn, Kaoir (total of 19)
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Demond, Lamari, Lavell, Dawid, Kellin, Lamarion, Patryk, Abdulmalik, Bassam, Damen (total of 22)

Indiana

  • Indiana’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Indiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Indiana’s 4 unique girl names: Dena, Haizlee, Brynna, Copeland
  • Indiana’s 2 unique boy names: Menno, Finnlee

Iowa

  • Iowa’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Iowa’s 1 unique girl name: Misty
  • Iowa’s 1 unique boy name: Kinnick

Kansas

  • Kansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique baby names.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique boy names: Koleson, Thayer

Louisiana

  • Louisiana’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Louisiana’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique baby names.

Maine

  • Maine’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Maine’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique baby names.

Maryland

  • Maryland’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
  • Maryland’s 1 unique girl name: Ayomide
  • Maryland’s 4 unique boy names: Tavon, Ademide, Ifeoluwa, Jabril

Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Massachusetts’s top boy name: Benjamin
  • Massachusetts’s 5 unique girl names: Aylla, Heloisa, Isabelly, Mariaeduarda, Tula
  • Massachusetts’s 3 unique boy names: Guilherme, Jayziel, Nyzaiah

Michigan

  • Michigan’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Michigan’s top boy name: Noah
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Zahraa, Breslyn, Germani, Layal, Breslin, Makyla, Talayah, Alaska, Hadeel, Katara (total of 13)
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique boy names: Arkan, Bryton, Karon, Martell, Milano, Mohamadali, Rayvon, Damere, Emad, Fadi (total of 15)

Minnesota

  • Minnesota’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Minnesota’s top boy name: Henry
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maida, Ahlam, Munira, Anzal, Adna, Bushra, Sabrin, Siham, Maryan, Mumtaz (total of 37)
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Muhsin, Bauer, Musab, Abdulahi, Sabir, Eh, Harun, Mikko, Mohamedamin, Yahye (total of 20)

Mississippi

  • Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
  • Mississippi’s top boy name: William
  • Mississippi’s 5 unique girl names: Swayze, Ainslee, Eriel, Lynley, Rivers
  • Mississippi’s 2 unique boy names: Hilton, Landan

Missouri

  • Missouri’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Missouri’s top boy name: Liam
  • Missouri’s 3 unique girl names: Makynlee, Dru, Gwendolynn
  • Missouri’s 2 unique boy names: Cale, Darrion

Montana

  • Montana’s top girl name: Emma
  • Montana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique baby names.

Nebraska

  • Nebraska’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Nebraska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Nebraska’s 2 unique girl names: Brecklynn, Lennyn
  • No unique boy names.

Nevada

  • Nevada’s top girl name: Sophia
  • Nevada’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique baby names.

New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • New Hampshire’s top boy name: Benjamin
  • No unique baby names.

New Jersey

  • New Jersey’s top girl name: Emma
  • New Jersey’s top boy name: Liam
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique girl names: Leeba, Tzivia, Zahava, Bluma, Ruchama, Brocha, Chaitra, Fay, Aanika, Akshaya (total of 14)
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Nosson, Boruch, Philopater, Nechemia, Param, Refoel, Naftoli, Betzalel, Donato, Ziyon (total of 22)

New Mexico

  • New Mexico’s top girl name: Ava
  • New Mexico’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique baby names.

New York

  • New York’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New York’s top boy name: Liam
  • New York’s top 10 unique girl names: Shaindy, Hindy, Sury, Goldy, Etty, Henny, Idy, Gittel, Shaindel, Fradel (total of 208)
  • New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Lazer, Naftali, Shmiel, Shloma, Benzion, Hershel, Berl, Abubakr, Shaul, Md (total of 175)

North Carolina

  • North Carolina’s top girl name: Ava
  • North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique girl names: Tyla, Brenley, Dasia, Essie, Nalayah, Passion, Zyana, Chesnee, Kamyra, Kenly (total of 13)
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Quamir, Bowman, Brennon, Cyncere, Azion, Braylan, Jahking, Juel, Kamauri, Layke (total of 13)

North Dakota

  • North Dakota’s top girl name: Amelia
  • North Dakota’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl (…probably just a place-holder)
  • No unique boy names.

Ohio

  • Ohio’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Ohio’s top boy name: Liam
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique girl names: Crosley, Coralynn, Aissata, Arbor, Dezire, Jamiah, Larkyn, Neva, Shaelynn, Amarra (total of 24)
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Kolsen, Jansen, Kaydon, Dyson, Jayshawn, Krishal, Rayshawn, Urban, Amiir, Bennie (total of 26)

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
  • Oklahoma’s 3 unique girl names: Niang, Jentri, Tennessee
  • Oklahoma’s 4 unique boy names: Thang, Pau, Rhyatt, Saxton

Oregon

  • Oregon’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oregon’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Oregon’s 2 unique boy names: Ripley, Rogue

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Liam
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Suhaylah, Allure, Erma, Saloma, Auriella, Lavina, Surah, Aasiyah, Mecca (total of 31)
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Masai, Aasir, Mervin, Benuel, Ayyub, Jamin, Kasir, Munir, Naseem, Aleem (total of 31)

Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Rhode Island’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique baby names.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • South Carolina’s top boy name: William
  • South Carolina’s 4 unique girl names: Elloree, Zyasia, Kerrington, Matilyn
    • Elloree is a South Carolina town.
  • South Carolina’s 3 unique boy names: Kinston, Drayton, Rakeem

South Dakota

  • South Dakota’s top girl name: Emma
  • South Dakota’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique baby names.

Tennessee

  • Tennessee’s top girl name: Ava
  • Tennessee’s top boy name: William
  • Tennessee’s 8 unique girl names: Annslee, Anzlee, Avie, Dearia, Embry, Karsen, Lora, Tylee
  • Tennessee’s 10 unique boy names: Ryman, Tracy, Blakely, Briley, Crews, Dmari, Holston, Jorah, Ladarrius, Marquel

Texas

  • Texas’s top girl name: Emma
  • Texas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Landree, Dariela, Laramie, Irma, Kendalyn, Amarachi, Debanhi, Devany, Jayci, Kenzlie (total of 424)
  • Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Witten, Rhyder, Eliud, Cutter, Eliab, Zuriel, Homero, Burhanuddin, Prescott, Weldon (total of 304)
    • Jason Witten is a football player who was with the Dallas Cowboys for most of his career.

Utah

  • Utah’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Utah’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Utah’s top 10 unique girl names: Weslie, Mele, Quincey, Taylie, Alta, Cozette, Lyndee, Mccall, Navie, Nayvie (total of 17)
  • Utah’s top 10 unique boy names: Cache, Dallin, Korver, Kaladin, Covey, Kimball, Beckam, Jens, Haze, Oaks (total of 19)

Vermont

  • Vermont’s top girl name: Harper
  • Vermont’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique baby names.

Virginia

  • Virginia’s top girl name: Ava
  • Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Virginia’s 1 unique girl name: Ashby
  • Virginia’s top 10 unique boy names: Nahmir, Ashby, Berkley, Jenesis, Leul, Nymir, Amanuel, Antwon, Cornell, Dany (total of 12)

Washington

  • Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Washington’s top boy name: Liam
  • Washington’s 6 unique girl names: Anuhea, Imogene, Keona, Posie, Ravenna, Runa
  • Washington’s 7 unique boy names: Rainier, Abhay, Kelson, Nam, Tidus, Tyr, Whittaker

West Virginia

  • West Virginia’s top girl name: Emma
  • West Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • West Virginia’s 1 unique girl name: Laykin
  • No unique boy names.

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Wisconsin’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique girl names: Lumen, Brexley
  • Wisconsin’s 5 unique boy names: Keston, Dekker, Eivin, Merlin, Sully

Wyoming

  • Wyoming’s top girl name: Charlotte & Olivia (tie)
  • Wyoming’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique baby names.

Did you spot the name Tennessee on the Oklahoma list, and the name Alaska on the Michigan list? ;)

If you happen to know why any of the single-state names are seeing higher usage in those particular states, please let us know in the comments!

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image (USATopographicalMap) by NOAA

Unisex baby names: Even splits of 2009

pink and blue bricks

Hundreds of unisex names were given to both baby boys and baby girls last year. But only 65 were split evenly between the two genders, according to SSA data.

NameBoysGirlsTotal
Michel5555110
Michal484896
Storm434386
Haydyn323264
Avry272754
Adi262652
Indiana262652
Kemani262652
Clarke222244
Riyan202040
Samar171734
Amori161632
Bradie131326
Carlisle121224
Oluwadamilola121224
Angell111122
Eaden111122
Maika111122
Nur111122
Chesley101020
Dacoda101020
Mattia101020

Fewer than 20 babies total: Agam, Aidynn, Amadi, Armahni, Arrington, Ecko, Elim, Elyah, Grae, Jarae, Jasyiah, Jiayi, Keighan, Kumari, Lakshya, Lanny, Lean, Mako, Marcelle, Money*, Nyel, Oluwanifemi, Oluwatomisin, Omega, Phynix, Psalm, Qamar, Rayen, Reyhan, Ryian, Santanna, Shadow, Shyler, Siah, Sinclair, Skiler, Starling, Stellar, Thanh, Ugonna, Windsor, Yali, Yareth

*I’m pleased that Money made the list. There may be a gender-based income gap in the U.S., but at least men and women are named Money in equal measure. That has to count for something, right?

Image by Erol Ahmed from Unsplash