Makoto
Meaningsincerity, truth · Japanese
Makoto is a Japanese boy name meaning “sincerity, truth”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Makoto would score 12 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationMakoto peaked in 1922, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents. Now it's back in style, so there's a whole new generation of baby Makotos too.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Makoto would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 156,250 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryMakoto first shows up in US birth records in 1915, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 110 years since.
US births per million boys, 1915–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Makoto
Makoto is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “sincerity, truth”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1920s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm, and it's now coming back into style. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese boy names
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Rio · river
- Unisex name: Akari · light, brightness
- Boy name: Kenzo · often healthy third son
- Boy name: Kenji · often strong second son
- Unisex name: Ren · often lotus
- Unisex name: Zen · meditation
- Unisex name: Mars · god of war
Questions about the name Makoto
What does the name Makoto mean?
Makoto means “sincerity, truth” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Issei (“often one sincerity”).
What is the origin of the name Makoto?
Makoto is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Makoto a boy or girl name?
Makoto is a boy name. In 2025, 11 US boys were named Makoto.
How popular is the name Makoto?
Makoto ranked #7,194 for US boys in 2025, given to 11 babies. Its best year was 1922, when it reached #1,952. Over the last five years it has climbed 873 places.
What names are similar to Makoto?
If you like Makoto, you might also like Issei.
What should I know before naming my baby Makoto?
Makoto is a Japanese boy name meaning “sincerity, truth”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.