Korean names are composed of a family name followed by a given name. Despite identical pronunciations, the meanings can vary greatly depending on the Hanja (Chinese characters) used. Curious about the meaning of your name in Korean?
Explore the 15+ Korean names listed below and discover more about Korean naming conventions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Korean Names
Korean names have deep roots in history, often derived from ancestors and prominent historical figures. Cultural, religious, and traditional influences have also played a significant role in name selection. Over time, contemporary influences have shaped modern baby names in South Korea, reflecting current trends and societal norms.
Korean Alphabet and Chinese Characters
The Korean writing system, the Korean alphabet, shares similarities with Chinese characters. Many Korean names have equivalent meanings in Chinese due to these connections. This cultural overlap means Korean names often carry significant symbolic meanings from Chinese tradition.
Structure of Korean Names
In addition to the information above, most Korean names have this format: they are written with two to three elements or two syllables. The first word with one syllable or the first syllable of their name is the ‘family name,’ while the second syllable or word is their ‘first name’ or ‘given name.’ Since they have a common writing style like the format of writing, their names are also alike.
Modern Names In South Korea
Many Koreans today use Korean American versions of names, particularly in South Korean entertainment. However, like Hollywood stars and American artists, some Korean artists or K-pop singers prefer to use American names to recognize or have a popular name easily. For example, Korean artists’ female names were Irene and Wendy of Red Velvet and Jennie and Rose of BlackPink. The Korean boy band group, J-Hope and Rap Monster of BTS were also influenced by this version of the English name.
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Some of the reasons why Korean artists use the English language or alphabet for their names are that family names and given names in South Korea are very common and often alike. For instance, the most common family name in South Korea is ‘Kim’ (김), used by about 10.6 million Koreans. Another common family name is ‘Lee,’ as seen with the famous Korean actor Lee Min Ho. However, there’s something you shouldn’t forget. While many Koreans share the same surname, if you consider the concept of “본(本)” indicates that these surnames originate from different families, you will know all of them are actually different surnames.
15+ Common Korean Names
Korean names based on Chinese characters have different meanings depending on which Chinese characters are used. For example, here is the name “Park Myoung-Hwan(박 명환)” However, when written as 명환(明煥), it means “shining brightly,” but if you use the name 명환(名宦), it has a different meaning, meaning “an important position.”
The same goes for the names given below. Please refer to this point as it does not mean one absolute meaning, but one of several meanings.
The following name is written in Romanized version with common translations and meanings:
Significance Of Korean Names
Now that you know some of the commonly used Korean names in the country, I will give some impressions about their significance.
It is not only related to Chinese culture but also to nearby countries like Japan. For example, some of the given names were similar to Japanese names and meanings. This is because the cultures and beliefs of these three countries are somewhat similar to each other. As you can observe, their clothing style, religion, and tradition are somewhat alike. By this, I can say that their language usage, specifically in choosing Korean names, is not far apart from how the Chinese and Japanese chose and used it.
On the other hand, the Koreans are very picky in terms of giving names to their baby boy or baby girl. Like Japanese and Chinese people, they believe that ‘a name will determine one’s life and destiny.’ Several Koreans nowadays choose given names of the country’s first leader or even their current leader. Others may be inspired by a K-pop singer or Korean actor. But all in all, choosing Korean names in South Korea holistically represents Korean culture and their values, as well.
How Do You Say Name In Korean?
The Korean translation for name is 이름 (ireum)
FAQs for Korean Names
1. Why Do Some Korean Names Sound Similar?
Many Korean names sound similar because they often use common syllables that are combined in various ways. Additionally, cultural and historical influences have led to the popularity of certain names and syllable combinations, making some names more common.
2. What Is “본(本)” And Its Role In Korean Names?
본(本) refers to the ancestral origin of a family lineage. It is used to distinguish different clans with the same surname. For example, the Kim family can be divided into various clans like Gyeongju Kim or Andong Kim, each with a different 본(本) indicating their ancestral roots.
3. How Do I Write My Name In Korean?
To write your name in Korean, you can use Hangul characters that closely approximate the sounds of your name. Online translators or language apps like Ling can help you find the correct Hangul spelling. However, the exact pronunciation may differ slightly due to phonetic differences.
Wrapping Up & More
Have you looked into Korean names? Knowing about Korean names is a easy way to get closer to Koreans. Just sharing a little story about their name can help you get to know them better.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Korean language and more, keep reading articles like “33 Delicious Must-Try Korean Food For Your Next Meokbang” or “42 Inspirational Korean Quotes You Should Know”
If you want to learn more about the Korean Language, try using an app like Ling, which is designed for learning Korean. You do not need to buy big books or bulk travel guides. All you need to do is have a smartphone, laptop, or tablet to access this friendly application anytime, anywhere.
그럼, 또 봐요! (Then, See you!)
