Korean culture has been growing in the last few decades, and recently we’ve seen an explosion of music, movies, and shows with Korean backgrounds. KPop (or Korean pop) in particular has seen a dramatic rise in interest, with BTS and many other bands touring America recently. Alongside the growth of appreciation for Korean culture, we’ve seen Korean names become more popular as well.
Korean names are usually made of three syllables, with the first referencing the family name and the other two as the child’s name. For boys, a popular name is Myung which means “clear and bright”. There’s also the name Tae which means “a great individual”.
If you’re not sure about your little one’s gender yet, you may want to consider choosing a unisex name! Joon is often popular, and it means “very talented”, a bright trait for your little one to have.
For girls, you’ll have several options as well. One of the more popular names is Kyong, which translates to “brightness”. There’s also the name Hana which means “my favorite”, which is perfect if you plan on having an only child!
If you’ve been influenced by the recent rise in Korean culture, or you have Korean roots that you want your little one to acknowledge, we’ve compiled a list of names for you to look at! Picking out a Korean name can be an easy way to set your little one apart from others while giving a nod to the complexity and depth that Korean culture holds.
Ae-Cha
Meaning: Loving daughter
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Bae
Meaning: Inspiration
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Bon-hwa
Meaning: Glorious
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Chin-Hwa
Meaning: The most wealthy
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Chin-Sun
Meaning: Truth and goodness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Chul
Meaning: Firm
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Chung-Hee
Meaning: Righteous
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Cho
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Dak-Ho
Meaning: Deep lake
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Dae
Meaning: Greatness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Dong
Meaning: East
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Duck-hwan
Meaning: Integrity returns
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Du
Meaning: Head
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Eui
Meaning: Righteousness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Eun-Kyung
Meaning: Graceful gem
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Gi
Meaning: Brave
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Gook
Meaning: Nation
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Ha-Neul
Meaning: Sky
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Hak-Kun
Meaning: Rooted in intelligence
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Hea
Meaning: Grace
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Hee-Young
Meaning: Goy and prosperity
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Hei-Ran
Meaning: Grace and orchid
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Hwa-Young
Meaning: Beautiful flower
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Hyun-Ki
Meaning: Wise foundation
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Hana
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Il
Meaning: Superiority
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
In-Su
Meaning: Preserving wisdom
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Iseul
Meaning: Dew
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Jae-Hwa
Meaning: Rich and prosperity
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Joon
Meaning: Gewel
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Jung
Meaning: Chaste
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Kang-Dae
Meaning: Strong and big
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Ki
Meaning: Arisen
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Kwan
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Kyong
Meaning: Brightness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Mal-Chin
Meaning: Persists to end
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Man-Shik
Meaning: Deep rootedness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Mee
Meaning: Beauty
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Mi-hi
Meaning: Beautiful joy
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Moon
Meaning: Letters
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Myung
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Nam
Meaning: South
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Ryung
Meaning: Brightness
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Sam
Meaning: Third in order
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Sang
Meaning: Always
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Seung
Meaning: Successor, winning
Origin: Korean
Gender: Boy
Shin
Meaning: Belief
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Sook
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Soon-Bok
Meaning: Gentle and blessed
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
Tae
Meaning: Melon
Origin: Korean
Gender: Girl
