88 Lovely Korean Unisex Names With Meanings

Celebrate heritage and inclusivity from the K-pop land.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

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A fascinating aspect of Korean naming conventions is the prevalence of unisex names. The modern trend towards gender neutrality is reflected in these Korean unisex names which also highlight the linguistic and cultural nuances of the Korean language.

In contemporary Korea, a typical name consists of a surname followed by a given name, with no middle names included. Traditionally, given names are partially determined by generation names, a practice that originated in China. One of the two characters in a given name is unique to the individual, while the other is shared among all members of a family generation. In North and South Korea, generational names are usually no longer shared by cousins but are commonly shared by siblings. Given names are generally composed of Hanja, or Chinese characters. However, Hanja is no longer used to write names in North Korea. Some Koreans have personal names with two or more syllables derived from native Korean words (1). For instance, names like Min-ji, meaning ‘intelligent,’ or Ye-ji, meaning ‘to shine brilliantly’ are composed of two syllables.

Embrace the rich heritage and modern appeal of Korean unisex names for an eternal and inclusive choice. Discover the perfect name that transcends gender boundaries today.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Lee	Boy	Clearing; Meadow
Yuri	Unisex	Earthworker; Farmer; Lily; Permanence; Village; Dawn
Sora	Girl	Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel
Kim	Boy	Leader of the men; Leader of the warriors; Gold; Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Oaks	Boy	Oak tree; Jade; Arrow; Son of Dubhdara'
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
Jae	Girl	Talent; Wealth; Supplanter; Healer
Joon	Boy	King; Monarch; Ruler; Military; Talented; Handsome;

Hani	Boy	Happy; Carefree; To move lightly; To touch
Param	Boy	First; The highest; Blue; Green
Bora	Boy	Snow; Purple; Storm
Dasani	Unisex	Hibiscus; The mountain of tea
Bong	Boy	Lotus; Ice
Jari	Boy	A fight or a quarrel; Helmeted warrior
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
Chi	Boy	Branch; God; Spiritual being; Will

Chin	Boy	Gold; Metal; Tapestry; Ferry
Hong	Boy	Rainbow; Enlarge; Wild Swan; Chicken
Jimin	Unisex	Will; Purpose; Intellect; Gentle
Yul	Boy	Downy-bearded; Spirit; Heart
Cha	Unisex	Tea; Chariot; Cart; Wagon
Elite	Unisex	A select group superior in ability, quality, or social status; To select
Jung	Boy	Quiet; Gentle; Still; Loyal; Virtuous; Chaste; Righteousness; Young
Hayan	Unisex	Pure white; Pale; Life; Alive; Awake; One with self-respect
Bae	Boy	Inspiration
Kyung	Boy	Capital city; Scenery; View; Respect; Honor

Won	Unisex	First; Origin
Seung	Boy	Rise; Victory; Inherit; Lion
Dong	Boy	East; Pillar; Beam; Winter
Yong	Unisex	Perpetual; Eternal; Brave
Taeo	Unisex	Innovative; Ambitious
Young	Unisex	Flower; Petal; Brave; Hero
Eun	Girl	Grace; Silver; Kindness; Mercy; Charity; Wealthy
Jaewon	Unisex	The ruling source
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
Seon	Unisex	Good; Mercy; Kindness; Virtuous; Gem;
Jisoo	Unisex	Wisdom and beauty; Ambition and beauty
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
Hae	Girl	Sun; Sea

Somi	Unisex	Bright; Illustrious; Beautiful; Pleasing; King; Lord
Sung	Girl	Rise; Victory; Inherit; Succeeded
Ying	Boy	Lustre of gems; Brave; Hero; Flower; Shadow; Extremely
Min	Girl	Sharp-minded; Quick-responding person; King; Ruler; Protection; Sensitivity
Sha	Unisex	Girl; Sand
Sujin	Unisex	Dawn; Fine jade; Harvest; Lifespan
Yoon	Girl	To govern; To oversee
Yun	Girl	Cloud; Consent
Ye	Girl	Bright red; Brave; Leaf
Baram	Boy	Victory over resistance; Wind; Air; Expectation; Hope

Hyun	Unisex	Virtuous; Worthy; Able; Dark; Mysterious
Ba	Boy	A Lord or a father figure; Great desire; Ancient Egyptian conception of soul
Bi	Girl	Stone; Rain
Chun	Unisex	Spring season; Standard; Whole
Gon	Boy	War; Salve; Ointment; Dark; Dusky; House; Hall; To construct; Strong; Respect
Gye	Boy	Cassia; Cinnamon; Season
Ja	Unisex	Attractive; Magnetic; Yes
Ji	Unisex	Wisdom; Intellect; Pond
Ki	Unisex	Arisen; Vigorous; Strong; Earth
Kun	Boy	Earth; Female; To construct; Strong; Respect

Sin	Boy	Clean; Pure; Stretch; Mountain
Su	Unisex	Water; Plain; Simple; Pleasant; Rose; Prize; Second earthly branch; Era
Sun	Unisex	Grandchild; Descendant; Goodness
Haneul	Boy	Heaven; Sky
Il	Boy	Sun
Myung	Boy	Bright and clear
Seoul	Unisex	Capital
Yeji	Unisex	To shine brilliantly; To be full of talent
Yo	Unisex	Friendship; Sunny and positive
Naru	Unisex	Port; Ferry crossing; To become

Boram	Unisex	Fruitful; Worthwhile; Valuable
Dohan	Unisex	Dawn
Sza	Unisex	To make or build; To count; Beautiful
Jinju	Unisex	Pearl
Yeri	Unisex	Joyful; Cheerful; Lively
Oh	Unisex	Interior; Inside depths
Gyu-ha	Unisex	Star; Summer; Pink or rosy clouds; Mist
Mireu	Unisex	Dragon

Korean unisex names are a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern sensibilities. They reflect the deep-rooted naming traditions in Korea, where meanings and positive attributes are prioritized over gender-specific traits. This practice is in line with the current global movement toward gender neutrality and inclusivity, providing individuals with the freedom to define their identities. The adaptability and rich meanings of these names showcase Korea's linguistic beauty and cultural depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Korean unisex names different from unisex names of other cultures?

Korean names often have a distinct phonetic and syllabic structure compared to Western names. They are typically composed of two syllables, although names with one, three, or more syllables exist. A Korean modern unisex name typically follows the pattern of a surname followed by personal name, with no middle name. Korean unisex names are designed to be gender-neutral, which contrasts with many Western unisex names.

2. Are Korean names commonly used as first or last names?

Korean unisex names are primarily used as first names rather than last names. In Korean culture, the last name (family name or surname) comes first, followed by the given name (first name). Last names are inherited and shared within a family lineage, often denoting ancestry or regional origins. Unisex names in Korea are typically chosen as first names and are intended to be suitable for both boys and girls.

Infographic: Prominent Korean Unisex Baby Names

Korean unisex names beautifully blend tradition and modernity, offering versatile choices for any child. These names often carry profound meanings rooted in nature, virtues, and aspirations. The simplicity and elegance of these names ensure they remain timeless. Check out the infographic and discover the right name for your baby.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

A Guide to Names and Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

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