Historically, many given Korean names are made up of what is called a generational name syllable and an individually distinct syllable. This practice is on the decline with modern Korean first names. A given name is made up of hanja, which are Chinese characters. Hanja are not used in North Korea anymore but continue to be used in South Korea. Some modern names are made up of Korean words and syllables instead of hanja. The same syllable can have different meanings depending on how it is written. For example, the syllable beom could be represented with characters meaning “tiger,” “model,” or “everyone.” A combination of certain syllables can add additional nuance that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Korean culture, music, art, and food are unique, and so are Korean names. If you are thinking of giving your baby a Korean name, it’s important to first understand the rich history and meaning behind each name.
Ae-cha
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Loving daughter Alternative Spellings & Variations: AechaPeak Popularity: The name Ae-cha is very popular in Korea, but is considered a unique name in the United States. Ae-cha is not a top 1,000 name in the U.S.
Aera
Origin: KoreanMeaning: LoveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ae-raFamous Namesakes: Shin Ae-ra, South Korean actress Peak Popularity: The name Aera was most popular in the United States in 2017; however, only five babies were given the name that year.
A-yeong
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Refined grace Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ah-young, A-yong, A-young Famous Namesakes: Min A-yeong, South Korean gymnast; Cho Ja-young, South Korean singer and actress; Shin A-young, South Korean television personality Peak Popularity: A-yeong isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Bong-cha
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Superior daughter, joyous girl Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bongcha, BongPeak Popularity: Bong-cha is not a very popular name in the United States.
Chun-hee
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Gracious justiceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Chun-heiFamous Namesakes: Jong Chun-hui, North Korean weightlifter; Ri Chun-hee, North Korean news anchor Peak Popularity: The name Chun-hee isn’t very popular in the United States.
Chung-ha
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Righteous girl, noble daughter Alternative Spellings & Variations: Chungcha Famous Namesakes: Kim Chung-ha, South Korean singer Peak Popularity: Chung-ha isn’t a very popular name in the United States. The name is given to fewer than five girls a year in the country.
Eun-ae
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Grace with love Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eun-aFamous Namesakes: Lee Eunae, South Korean judge; Jo Eun-ae, South Korean K-pop singer Peak Popularity: The name Eunae isn’t very popular in the United States.
Eun-kyung
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Respectful kindnessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eun-kyeong, Un-kyong, Un-gyong Famous Namesakes: Chung Eun-kyung, South Korean field hockey player; Lim Eun-kyung, South Korean actress Peak Popularity: While it’s a popular female name in South Korea, Eun-kyung isn’t a very popular name in the United States.
Eun-seo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Charity, merciful omenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eun-suh, Eun-so, Un-seoFamous Namesakes: Son Eun-seo, South Korean actress; Kim Eun-seo, South Korean actress Peak Popularity: Eun-seo is a popular name for girls in South Korea but not used often in the United States.
Gyeong
Origin: Korean Meaning: Respect, honor Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kyung, Kyoung, Kyong Famous Namesakes: Kyung Lah, Korean-American journalist Peak Popularity: There is currently no popularity ranking for the name Gyeong because fewer than five people are given the name in the United States yearly.
Ha-eun
Origin: Korean Meaning: Grand summer Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ha-un Famous Namesakes: Kim Ha-eun, South Korean actress; Yang Ha-eun, South Korean table tennis player Peak Popularity: The name Ha-eun was given to 37 babies between the years 1880 to 2019. In 2003, eight babies were given the name. This is the highest record of its use.
Han-na
Origin: KoreanMeaning: OneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hana Famous Namesakes: Chang Han-na, South Korean cellist; Kang Han-na, South Korean actress Peak Popularity: Hana is a fairly popular name in the United States. It became a top 1,000 girl’s name in 1993 and has stayed there since. In the year 2002, at the peak of its popularity, a total of 411 girls were given the name.
Ha-yoon
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Beautiful summer, natural talentAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ha-yunFamous Namesakes: Song Ha-yoon, South Korean actressPeak Popularity: Ha-yoon is a popular name for girls in South Korea but uncommon in the United States.
Ji-ah
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Refined wisdom, beautiful purposeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jee-ah, Jiah Famous Namesakes: Jiah Khan, British-American actress, model and singer; Lee Ji-ah, South Korean actressPeak Popularity: The highest record of its use was in 2019. Seventeen girls were given the name in the United States that year.
Ji-woo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: ‘Ji’ means will, purpose, or ambition; ‘Woo’ means house or universeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jee-woo, Chi-wooFamous Namesakes: Choi Ji-woo, South Korean actress; Park Ji-woo, South Korean speed skaterPeak Popularity: Ji-woo was the eighth most popular name for girls in South Korea in 2008, but is not common in the United States.
Ji-yoon
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Purpose, good luck, and posterity Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jee-yoon. Ji-yun, Ji-youn Famous Namesakes: Kim Ji-yoon, South Korean basketball player; Park Ji-yoon, South Korean pop singer Peak Popularity: The name Ji-yoon isn’t very popular in the United States.
Min-ji
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Intelligent, clever Alternative Spellings & Variations: Min-jee Famous Namesakes: Seo Min-ji, South Korean actress; Lee Min-ji, South Korean actressPeak Popularity: The most popular year for the name Min-ji was in 1999. Eight girls were given the name that year.
Mi-sun
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Beauty and goodness, beautiful gift Alternative Spellings & Variations: Mee-sun, Mi-seonFamous Namesakes: Jeon Mi-seon, South Korean actress; Park Mi-sun, South Korean comedian Peak Popularity: The name Mi-sun isn’t very popular in the United States.
Min-seo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Calm and clever Alternative Spellings & Variations: Min-suhFamous Namesakes: Kim Min-seo, South Korean actress; Kim Min-seo, South Korean badminton player Peak Popularity: Min-seo isn’t a popular name in the United States, but in 2008 it was the second most popular name given to girls in South Korea.
Nabi
Origin: Korean Meaning: Butterfly Peak Popularity: Nabi isn’t a popular name in the United States. In 2008, only five babies were given the name.
Sarang
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Love, affectionAlternative Spellings & Variations: Saryang Famous Namesakes: Park Sa-rang, South Korean actress; Kim Sa-rang, South Korean actress and modelPeak Popularity: Sarang isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Seo-yun
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Soft, prosperous omen Alternative Spellings & Variations: Seo-yoon, Suh-yoon, Suh-yun, Seo-yeonFamous Namesakes: Ji Seo-yun, South Korean actress Peak Popularity: In the United States, fewer than five babies born per year are given this name.
Soo-ah
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Beautiful watersAlternative Spellings & Variations: Su-a, Su-ah Famous Namesakes: Su-a Lee, South Korean cellist; Park Soo-ah, South Korean singer Peak Popularity: Soo-ah isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Sook
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Pure Alternative Spellings & Variations: SukFamous Namesakes: Mun Suk, South Korean cyclist; Kim Sook, South Korean comedianPeak Popularity: Sook isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Yu-jin
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Abundant, possess, valuable Alternative Spellings & Variations: Yoo-jin Famous Namesakes: Lim Yu-jin, South Korean volleyball player; Ahn Yu-jin, South Korean singer Peak Popularity: In 2018, 10 babies were given the name Yu-jin; this is the highest record of its use in America.
Yun-seo
Origin: Korean Meaning: ‘Yun’ means govern or allow; ‘Seo’ means seriesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Yun-suh, Yoon-seo, Yoon-suh Famous Namesakes: Kim Yoon-seo, South Korean actressPeak Popularity: Yun-seo isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Popular Korean Baby Names for Boys
Here’s a list of some of the most popular Korean names for boys.
Baek-hyeon
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Virtuous older brother Alternative Spellings & Variations: Baek-hyunFamous Namesakes: Byun Baek-hyun, South Korean singer Peak Popularity: Baek-hyeon isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Beom-seok
Origin: Korean Meaning: Pattern of a rock, everyone flourishesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bum-suk, Pom-sokFamous Namesakes: Lee Beom-seok, first Prime Minister of South Korea; Oh Beom-seok, South Korean footballer Peak Popularity: Beom-seok isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Chin-hwa
Origin: KoreanMeaning: The most wealthy Alternative Spellings & Variations: ChinhwaPeak Popularity: Chin-hwa isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Do-hyun
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Permitted pathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Do-hyeon, Do-yun Famous Namesakes: Yoon Do-hyun, South Korean rock singer; Lee Do-hyun, South Korean actor Peak Popularity: Do-hyun isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Gun-woo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Hope for mankindAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keon-woo, Kun-woo, Eun-wooFamous Namesakes: Paik Kun-Woo, South Korean pianist; Lee Gun-woo, South Korean singer; Kim Kun-woo, South Korean athlete Peak Popularity: Gun-woo is a popular boy name in South Korea. It is less common in the United States.
Ha-joon
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Great summerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ha-junFamous Namesakes: Chang Ha-Joon, South Korean economist; Seo Ha-joon, South Korean actor Peak Popularity: Ha-joon is a popular name for boys in South Korea. However, the name isn’t very popular in the United States.
Han-gyeol
Origin: Korean Meaning: Uniformity, a great momentAlternative Spellings & Variations: Han-gyul Famous Namesakes: Seo Han-Gyeol, South Korean actorPeak Popularity: Han-gyeol is a very unique name and so far there are no records to show that it has been given to a baby in the United States.
Hyun-woo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Manifest, divine intervention Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hyeon-woo, Hyon-woo, Hyeon-u Famous Namesakes: Lee Hyun-woo, South Korean actor; Ha Hyun-woo, South Korean singer and songwriter; Ji Hyun-woo, South Korean actor Peak Popularity: Hyun-woo is a very popular name in South Korea. It’s less common in the United States.
Ji-ho
Origin: Korean Meaning: Fortune and intellectAlternative Spellings & Variations: Chi-ho, Jie-ho Famous Namesakes: Oh Ji-ho, South Korean actor; Choi Ji-ho, South Korean actor; Shim Ji-ho, South Korean actor Peak Popularity: Ji-ho is a popular boys name in South Korea. It uncommon in the United States.
Jong-woo
Origin: Korean Meaning: Upright friend, noble houseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jeong-woo, Jeong-u, Jung-wooFamous Namesakes: Choi Jung-woo, South Korean actor; Lim Jung-woo, South Korea field hockey playerPeak Popularity: Jong-woo isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Joo-won
Origin: KoreanMeaning: First around Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ju-won, Joo-weonFamous Namesakes: Jang Ju-won, South Korean jade carver; Go Joo-won, South Korean actorPeak Popularity: Joo-won was the second most popular name for boys in South Korea during 2011. The name is less popular in the United States.
Jun-seo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Handsome and auspicious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Joon-seo, Joon-suh, Jun-suhFamous Namesakes: Kim Jun-seo, South Korean singer and rapperPeak Popularity: Jun-seo is a common name in South Korea. However, the name isn’t very popular in the United States.
Kwan
Origin: Korean, ChineseMeaning: StrongAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kwann, Kwahn, Kwon Famous Namesakes: Kwan Baptiste, Grenadian soccer player Peak Popularity: Kwan isn’t a popular name in the United States. In 1975, 21 babies were given the name Kwan.
Kyung-won
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Honored family, respect Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kyeong-won, Kyong-wonFamous Namesakes: Kwon Kyung-won, South Korean footballer; Yoon Kyung-won, Korean ice hockey player Peak Popularity: Kyung-won isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Min-ho
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Bright stone, brave and cleverAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Woo Min-ho, South Korean film director; Jang Min-ho, South Korean singer; Choi Min-ho, South Korean rapper and singer Peak Popularity: Min-ho is fairly common in South Korea but is less popular in the United States.
Min-joon
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Clever and talentedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Min-junFamous Namesakes: Kim Min-joon, South Korean actor and DJPeak Popularity: Min-joon is a popular name for boys in South Korea. It is uncommon in the United States.
Nam-kyu
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Nam means “south,” kyu means “standard"Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nam-gyu Famous Namesakes: Yoo Nam-kyu, South Korean table tennis playerPeak Popularity: Nam-kyu isn’t a popular name for boys in the United States. It’s estimated that less than five babies are given the name every year.
Sang-hoon
Origin: Korean Meaning: Still deserving of high rankAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sang-hun, Sung-hoon Famous Namesakes: Kim Sung-hoon, South Korean film director; Jung Sang-hoon, South Korean actor; Jeon Sang-hoon, South Korean footballer Peak Popularity: Sang-hoon isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Seo-joon
Origin: Korean Meaning: Naturally talentedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Seo-jun, Suh-joon, Suh-jun, Seo-joonFamous Namesakes: Park Seo-joon, South Korean actor; Kim Seo-jun, South Korean footballer Peak Popularity: Seo-joon isn’t a popular name in the United States but it’s a very popular name in South Korea.
Shi-woo
Origin: KoreanMeaning: ‘Shi’ means excellent and good; ‘Woo’ means universe, world, or to broadenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Si-woo, See-wooFamous Namesakes: Kim Si-woo, South Korean golfer; Lee Si-woo, South Korean volleyball player; Song Si-woo, South Korean footballer Peak Popularity: Shi-woo isn’t a popular name in the United States. In 2015, a total of six babies were given the variant Si-woo in the United States.
Sung-min
Origin: Korean Meaning: Bright and cleverAlternative Spellings & Variations: Seung-min, Seong-min Famous Namesakes: Lee Sung-min, South Korean actor; Choi Sung-min, singer; Ryu Seung-min, South Korean table tennis player Peak Popularity: Sung-min isn’t a popular name in the United States. Between 1880 and 2019, fewer than five people were given the name Sung-min in the United States.
Tae-hyun
Origin: Korean Meaning: Greatest virtueAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tae-hyeon Famous Namesakes: Kim Tae-hyun, South Korean weightlifter; Cha Tae-hyun, South Korean actorPeak Popularity: In 2008, five babies were given the name Tae-hyun in the United States at the peak of its popularity.
Won-shik
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Head of the family Alternative Spellings & Variations: Won-sik Famous Namesakes: Chung Won-shik, South Korean politician; Kim Won-sik, South Korean footballer Peak Popularity: Won-shik isn’t a popular name in the United States.
Woo-jin
Origin: Korean Meaning: Treasure of the family, protected house Alternative Spellings & Variations: U-jin Famous Namesakes: Jo Woo-jin, South Korean actor; Yeon Woo-jin, South Korean actor Peak Popularity: Between 1980 and 2019, only seven baby boys were given the name Woo-jin in the United States.
Ye-jun
Origin: KoreanMeaning: Talented and handsome Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ye-joon Famous Namesakes: Kim Ye-jun, South Korean singer; Shim Ye-jun, South Korean singer Peak Popularity: Ye-jun is a popular name in South Korea. It is uncommon in the United States.
Yoo-joon
Origin: Korean Meaning: Tender friendship, Courageous friend Alternative Spellings & Variations: Yu-joon, Yu-jun Famous Namesakes: Lee Yoo-joon, South Korean footballerPeak Popularity: Yoo-joon isn’t a popular name in the United States.
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