boy name · Japanese origin
Minato
/ mee-NAH-toh /
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
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.
What does Minato mean?
Minato is the Japanese word for “harbour,” a recently very popular boys’ 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.
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.