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boy name · Japanese origin

Minato

/ mee-NAH-toh /
Boy Japanese 3 syllables
Meaning
Minato means Harbor (Japanese).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
mee-NAH-toh
Popularity
#7057 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Minato in the US, 1880–2025
2020

Minato first appears in US records in 2013. It peaked in 2016, when 18 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 12.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Minato popular?

Rising Minato has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.

US babies given the name Minato, by decade
2020s 61
2010s 67

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Minato mean?

Minato is the Japanese word for “harbour,” a recently very popular boys’ name.

Names like Minato

Japanese names with a similar feel and popularity.

Names that pair well with Minato

Popular Japanese names for a sibling or a middle name.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Minato mean?

Minato means Harbor. Minato is the Japanese word for “harbour,” a recently very popular boys’ name.

What is the origin of the name Minato?

Minato is of Japanese origin.

How do you pronounce Minato?

Minato is pronounced “mee-NAH-toh.”

Is Minato a boy or a girl name?

Minato is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Minato a popular name right now?

Minato has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.

How popular is the name Minato?

In 2025, Minato ranked #7057 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Minato most popular?

Minato was most popular in 2016, when about 18 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Minato?

Names similar to Minato include Riki, Haruki, Asahi, Daichi, Yuma.

What names go well with Minato?

Japanese names that pair well with Minato include Hana, Akira, Kenji, Emi, Ren.