Stefanie Miller
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Korean names are unique when compared to many other cultures. If you have Korean heritage or a Korean given name, then it might on this list! Many baby names vary based on the combination of characters used, so take a look below to find out more information about the fascinating history and naming traditions of Korea.
Most Common Korean Boy Names
Think of these as the Korean equivalent of Western names like Michael or William—timeless choices that grandparents approve of but won't feel outdated when your kid hits kindergarten.
- Dong-Hyun - East, virtuous
- Hae-Jin - Sea, truth
- Ha-Joon - Summer, great, talented
- Ho-Jun - Goodness, talented
- Hyo-Seok - Filial piety, rock
- Jae-Hyuk - Wealth, brilliance
- Ji-Ho - Wisdom, knowledge, fierce
- Jin-Tae - Truth, great
- Joon-Seo - Handsome, auspicious
- Joon-Woo - Handsome, protection
- Joo-Won - Circumference, first
- Kang-Min - Strong, clever
- Min-Joon - Clever, talented
- Min-Soo - Clever, excellence
- Myung-Dae - Brightness, greatness
- Seo-Joon - Auspicious, easy, talented, handsome
- Shi-Woo - Begin, protection
- Sung-Hwan - Star, shining
- Won-Sik - First, cultivation
- Yae-Joon - Talented, handsome
- Yoo-Joon - Friend, courage, handsome
- Yoon-Sung - Allow, success
- Young-Min - Brave, clever
Popular Korean Boy Names
These are the current chart-toppers that Korean parents can't get enough of right now!
- Baek-Hyun - Older brother, virtuous
- Beom-Seok - Model, like a rock
- Chang-Ho - Humanity, goodness
- Dae-Hyun - Great, honor
- Dae-Jung - Great, middle
- Daeshim - Great mind, great heart
- Do-Yoon - Path, consent
- Duck-Hwan - Integrity returns
- Eun-Woo - Kindness, divine intervention
- Gun-Ho - Strong, bright
- Han-Gyeol - Greatness, connected
- Hwan-Hee - Shining, delight
- Hyeon-Seo - Virtuous, auspicious
- In-Ho - Benevolence, humanity
- Jeong-Hoon - Proper, rank
- Jimin - My wisdom higher than the sky
- Jung-Min - Righteous, clever
- Ki-Tae - Rise, great
- Nam-Kyu - South, standard
- Seo-Jun - Auspicious, handsome
- Seung-Min - Victory, clever
- Si-Woo - Begin, protection
- Sung-Jin - Succeeded, marketplace
- Tae-Yang - Great, sun
- U-Jin - Genuine blessing
- Woo-Jin - Protection, truth
- Ye-Jun - Talented, handsome
- Yong-Gi - Glory, rise
Traditional Korean Girl Names
These gorgeous girl names have been passed down through generations and often come with beautiful meanings about strength, nature, or virtue.
- Ae-Ri - Love, advantage
- Da-Hyun - More, virtuous
- Eun-Young - Kindness, brave
- Ha-Eun - Great, silver
- Ha-Rin - Eternal beauty
- Ha-Yoon - Talented, allow
- Hye-Ri - Intelligent, gain
- Ji-Ah - Refined wisdom, beautiful purpose
- Ji-Hye - Wisdom, intelligence
- Ji-Woo - Wisdom, universe
- Ji-Yoo - Wisdom, abundant
- Min-Ah - Clever, grace
- Na-Eun - Elegance, kindness
- Seo-Ah - Auspicious, beautiful
- Seo-Yeon - Prosperous omen, graceful
- Seo-Yoon - Prosperous omen, soft
- So-Min - Smile, clever
- Soo-Ah - Beautiful waters
- Soon-Ja - Gentle, child
Modern Korean Girl Names
Contemporary Korean girl names tend to be shorter, super cute, and way easier for non-Korean speakers to pronounce. These fresh picks still have meaningful roots but feel more 2025 than 1825!
- Ae-Cha - Affection, love, daughter
- Bong-Cha - Superior daughter
- Bora - Purple
- Bo-Ra - Purple, valuable
- Chae-Won - Collect, origin
- Cho - Beautiful
- Chun-Ja - Spring child
- Da-Eun - More, kindness
- Eun-Seo - Kindness, auspicious
- Ga-Yoon - Beautiful melody, allow
- Gyeong-Suk - Capital city, virtuous
- Ha-Na - Great, one
- Hana - The number one
- Hee-Won - The source of blessing
- Hei-Ran - Grace, orchid
- Hye-Jin - Intelligent, truth
- Hyun-Ji - Virtuous, wisdom
- Jeong - Quiet, gentle
- Ji-Eun - Wisdom, kindness
- Ji-Min - Wisdom, clever
- Joo-Mi - Red, around
- Min - Clever, quick-minded
- Mi-Ran - Beautiful, orchid
- Myung-Hee - Brightness, pleasure
- Na-Ra - Country, nation
- Seol-A - Snow, beautiful
- Seong - Succeed
- Soo - Excellence, long life
- Sook - Pure, light
- Su-Jin - Excellence, truth
- Yeong - Flower, brave
- Yoon-Ah - Allow, grace
- Yun-Mi - Abundant beauty
Unisex Korean Names
According to our Family Education experts, the gender-neutral naming trend is here to stay! Check out these flexible options for any baby.
- Chul - Firm
- Haneul - Sky
- Hye - Knowledgeable
- Hyeon - Worthy
- Jae - Talent
- Kim - Gold
- Kyong - Brightness
- Seung - Winning
- Sung-Min - Clever, cleverly natured
- Tae - Great
Origin of Korean Names
Many Korean given names are chosen based on generation. This is a tradition that came from China. North Korea and South Korea differ greatly when it comes to names. North Koreans no longer use Hanja when writing names, while South Koreans do. There is a restricted list in South Korea where the Hanja must be used from.
Korean Naming Practices
When choosing a name for a child, many choose a two-syllable name. Typically, the first is a generational name while the second is unique. Surnames always come before the given name, and children inherit their father’s surname at birth. After marriage, the woman does not take on her new husband’s last name but keeps her own.
More recently, parents are choosing one-syllable names. These are usually derived from Korean words. A law was introduced in 1993 that stated given names must be five syllables or shorter, so as long as it fits the guidelines and is from approved hanja, there are endless options.
Rounding Up Korean First Names
Among many other countries in the world, Korean names continue to stand out with their consideration of meanings and melodic pronunciations. No matter the nationality, and whatever name you choose, it will become special because it belongs to your child. But there's definitely something magical about picking one with meaning that resonates with your hopes for them. Trust your gut—when the right name clicks, you'll just know it's the one!
For more information check out these popular topics:
- 156 Cute Korean Girl Names and Meanings
- 85 Cute Korean Names for Boys (with Meanings)
- Korean Last Names and Meanings
Do you have any parenting questions for our parenting coach and expert, Dr. Ana Aznar? Ask for free today!
