Korean baby names are very unique! Did you know that just three surnames account for more than half of the Korean population? Therefore, it is important for parents to assign a Korean given name that stands out for their child and makes it a bit unique.
A Korean name consists of a surname first, followed by a given name. Over the centuries, the surnames have eventually faded into three different names. These are Kim, Lee and Park. Koreans often have a name that includes a syllable from their generation as well as a different syllable. The syllable of the generational name is always shared by the siblings of a family.
In Korea, names are generally based on the alphabet of Chinese characters. For many years, parents could choose only from a list of approved government-issued names, but in recent decades, that trend has fallen by the wayside. Now, boys are often given names derived from traditional Korean words, and even two-syllable names, though these are usually reserved for girls only.
Keep in mind, however, that first names are rarely used in polite company. Generally, a person is called by their last name. The given name is only used by very close friends and family. So whatever Korean baby name you give your child will rarely be heard outside of the circle of your family and family friends. Thanks to this tradition, the Korean baby names you choose for your little one will be much more intimate than names given in other cultures.
Some of the most common two-syllable Korean baby names for girls include Haneul, which means “heaven” or “sky,” and Areum, which means “beauty.” The name Gippeum means “joy” and the name Iseul means “dew”.
If you’re looking for a simpler name for your baby girl, why not consider one of the most popular names of recent times: Shin, which means “belief”. Other common names include Moon, Min, and Kyon. These names usually mean something positive about the baby, like how smart she is or how beautiful she is.
What are some of the most common Korean baby names for boys? “Kwan” is a popular name meaning “strong.” Other favorite Korean boy names are Jung, Chin, Bae, and Gi. All of these names have very powerful connotations and are meant to convey a sense of purpose and strength.
Some names, like Sun, are allowed for both a boy and a girl. The name means “goodness” in Korean. In Chinese, it means “to fold.” Another unisex name is Jin, which means “jewel” in Korean and “golden” in Chinese.
Korean names will always be popular and parents will always be looking for ways to make their children stand out from the crowd. With very few last names to go around, the uniqueness of your Korean baby names matters a lot! Take your time to find one that is perfect for your little one.