293 Korean Baby Names Reflecting Their Culture

Korea has a diverse and rich heritage, combined with a complex history. Korean baby names are unique, just like the language, culture, and people. Over half the Korean population use three main surnames, Park, Kim, and Lee. So, if you wish for your munchkin to stand out from the crowd, you must pick a unique name for them. A Korean name is composed of a family name, followed by a given name. Korean first names are based on Hangul, the official writing system for the Korean language (1), and Hanja, which is the older, more traditional script. Hanja comes from Chinese, but Hangul has Korean origins. These based names symbolize virtues like filial piety, hard work, and humility. Such qualities are considered of utmost importance in Korean culture (2). For years, parents could only select a name from the list of approved names issued by the government. This trend has fallen to the wayside now. Parents today opt for names derived from their native Korean language. It’s also important to note that given names are not used in day-to-day life. Referring to oneself using one’s first name is considered childish. But referring to superiors, family or otherwise, by their first name is considered incredibly rude. First names are private and used only by close friends and family. Korean given names are also known for their rhythmic syllables and poetic tones. Each syllable has significance, giving the name layers of meaning and emotional resonance. Parents also prefer looking for names inspired by nature's beauty, depicting elements like flowers, rivers, and mountains. Koreans value filial piety and giving ancestors their due reverence. Baby names create a channel to show such respect. Thus, these names can be considered a linguistic link that connects the past with the present and shapes future generations. Below is a list of Korean baby names with meanings for you. You can shortlist and save your favorites for future use.

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Name		Gender	Meaning
Kiara		Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Lee		Boy	Clearing; Meadow
Hana		Girl	Hope, Flower, Bliss, Number one, craft, Shine, Moon
Yuna		Girl	Gentleness; Friendliness; Excellence
Keyon		Boy	Homeland; To construct; Respect; Strong; God is gracious
Yohan		Boy	God is gracious; Shine; Sparkle; Sunlight
Yurani		Unisex	A person who follows principle
Yuri		Unisex	Earthworker; Farmer; Lily; Permanence; Village; Dawn
Minha		Girl	Jade; Nimble; Quick; Humble; Hardworking; Well-mannered; River; Lotus; A gift from Allah
Sora		Girl	Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel
Kim		Boy	Leader of the men; Leader of the warriors; Gold; Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Jinora		Girl	Wisdom; Illuminated; Victory
Nara		Girl	Happy; Country; Sun; Pomegranate tree; Man
Oaks		Boy	Oak tree; Jade; Arrow; Son of Dubhdara'
Uri		Boy	My light; Light of Yehovah; We; Us; Our; Untamed
Moon		Girl	One who enlightens the night; Moon; Advisor; He has heard; Letters
Han		Boy	Favor; Brave; Leader; Lively; Gesture
Nari		Unisex	Woman; Narrow; Lily; Thunder; From Nazareth
Saja		Girl	A calm and tranquil person; Lion
Jae		Girl	Talent; Wealth; Supplanter; Healer
Joon		Boy	King; Monarch; Ruler; Military; Talented; Handsome;
Mir		Boy	A prince; World; Universe; Peace; Dragon; Commander; Elite
Hani		Boy	Happy; Carefree; To move lightly; To touch
Param		Boy	First; The highest; Blue; Green
Bora		Boy	Snow; Purple; Storm
Tae		Boy	Great; Exalted; Superior; Glory; Peaceful; Good; Very; Extreme; Many crystals
Dasani		Unisex	Hibiscus; The mountain of tea
Bong		Boy	Lotus; Ice
Jari		Boy	A fight or a quarrel; Helmeted warrior
Nam		Boy	South
Bibi		Girl	The exalted one; Help; Bean; Wife; Voyager; Hostess; Day; Rain
Khye		Unisex	God; Foolish boy; Moon; Ocean
Shi		Boy	Time; Era; Season; Real; Stone; History; Tranquil
Yohaan		Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Bento		Unisex	Blessed; Blessing; Convenience
Chi		Boy	Branch; God; Spiritual being; Will
Kwan		Boy	Strong
Ho		Boy	Tiger; Brave; Fierce; Bright
Chin		Boy	Gold; Metal; Tapestry; Ferry
Mee		Girl	A beautiful woman
Hong		Boy	Rainbow; Enlarge; Wild Swan; Chicken
Chung		Boy	Gentle; Virtuous; Chaste; Goblet
Jimin		Unisex	Will; Purpose; Intellect; Gentle
Park		Boy	One who lives near park; Nobleman; Stone; Plain
Yul		Boy	Downy-bearded; Spirit; Heart
Cha		Unisex	Tea; Chariot; Cart; Wagon
Dal		Boy	Moon; Skilled; The valley meadows
Kia		Girl	Hill; Mountain; Season's beginning; Keeper of the keys; Earth
Elite		Unisex	A select group superior in ability, quality, or social status; To select
Jung		Boy	Quiet; Gentle; Still; Loyal; Virtuous; Chaste; Righteousness; Young
Geon		Unisex	Respect; To construct; Strong; Respect
Hayan		Unisex	Pure white; Pale; Life; Alive; Awake; One with self-respect
Bae		Boy	Inspiration
Lam		Boy	Forest; Jungle; Wood; Blue
Nabi		Boy	Prophet; Beautiful; Butterfly; Apple tree
Kyung		Boy	Capital city; Scenery; View; Respect; Honor
Korea		Girl	From the name of the Asian country
Won		Unisex	First; Origin
Ang		Boy	Expang; Great; Flood; Wide; Elderly man
Seung		Boy	Rise; Victory; Inherit; Lion
Dong		Boy	East; Pillar; Beam; Winter
Jinu		Unisex	Real; Actual; True; Genuine
Nouri		Boy	My light; My fire; World
Malli		Girl	Jasmine
Karia		Girl	Yahweh remembers; Beautiful; Graceful; Love
Yong		Unisex	Perpetual; Eternal; Brave
Taeo		Unisex	Innovative; Ambitious
Young		Unisex	Flower; Petal; Brave; Hero
Daewon		Boy	Great origin; Great spring
Shaleigh		Girl	Weary girl; Learned; Fine clearing
Eun		Girl	Grace; Silver; Kindness; Mercy; Charity; Wealthy
Hajoon		Unisex	Summer; Great; Talented; Grand; Handsome
Jaewon		Unisex	The ruling source
Yoona		Girl	Allow; Consent; Soft; Sleek
Kyu		Boy	Fortune; Health; Spirituality; Fragrant; Excessive; A grade or rank in martial arts, tea ceremony, and academics
Sarang		Boy	Love; Affection
Sang		Boy	Common; Frequent; Regular; Morning; Bright
Som		Boy	The Moon; Orange; Cotton
Son		Boy	Male child; Blue; Green; Mountain
Taemin		Boy	Great; Exalted; Superior; People; Subjects; Citizens
Sua		Unisex	Fire; To count; Very beautiful; Big needle
Seon		Unisex	Good; Mercy; Kindness; Virtuous; Gem;
Jisoo		Unisex	Wisdom and beauty; Ambition and beauty
Jandi		Girl	A precious flower; Spirit of pink; Flag; Come on
Chae		Unisex	Man; Army; Collect
Ka		Girl	Pure; Beautiful; Good; A name of Lord Krishna
Jiwoo		Unisex	Sesame; Will; Purpose; Ambition; Rain; Universe
Soojin		Unisex	Gather; Harvest; Long life; Life span
Ha		Girl	Summer; Sunshine; Warmth
Hae		Girl	Sun; Sea
Sorella		Girl	A sisterly woman; Conch shell; Sky; Nun
Somi		Unisex	Bright; Illustrious; Beautiful; Pleasing; King; Lord
Sung		Girl	Rise; Victory; Inherit; Succeeded
Keon		Girl	King; Ancient; God is gracious; Son of Eoghan; Son of John; Strong; Respect
Ying		Boy	Lustre of gems; Brave; Hero; Flower; Shadow; Extremely
Min		Girl	Sharp-minded; Quick-responding person; King; Ruler; Protection; Sensitivity
Mirae		Unisex	Future
Sha		Unisex	Girl; Sand
Sujin		Unisex	Dawn; Fine jade; Harvest; Lifespan
Yerin		Girl	Art; Talent; Ability; Clear water; Earth

Infographic: Cute Korean Names For Your Adorable Child

Korean names are known for their sweet sounds and strong meanings. Names in this language are generally three syllables long, with the first syllable representing the child's family. Many of these words have plenty of variations. So, exploring one for your child is definitely an exciting experience. This infographic will list some wonderful Korean baby names.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team