40 Korean Baby Names with Meanings

Evidence-based, parent-tested. References guidelines from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific needs.

Korean baby names are an art of precision and intention, where every syllable carries weight and every character tells a story. Most Korean given names consist of two syllables, each represented by a Chinese character (hanja) chosen for its meaning, sound, and visual harmony. This system gives parents extraordinary control over the layers of meaning embedded in their child’s name. With the global rise of Korean culture through K-pop, K-drama, and Korean cinema, interest in Korean names has never been higher, and many parents worldwide are discovering the beauty and depth of this naming tradition.

📌 Key Takeaway: Korean baby names typically consist of two syllables written with hanja (Chinese characters), each chosen for specific meaning. Many Korean families consult professional naming specialists and consider the balance of yin and yang elements. Generation names, where siblings or cousins share a syllable, remain an important tradition in many families. For more Asian naming traditions, explore our guide to Japanese baby names.

If you love nature-inspired Korean names, see our broader list of nature-inspired baby names and baby names meaning star.

Baby in a serene nursery

Boy Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Dohyun	Path of virtue	DOH-hyun
Gunwoo	Strong and cosmic	GUN-woo
Hajoon	Great and talented	HAH-joon
Hyun	Wise; virtuous	HYUN
Jaehyun	Shining and wise	JAY-hyun
Jimin	Quick-witted; sharp intellect	JEE-min
Jisoo	Wisdom and excellence	JEE-soo
Joon	Handsome; talented	JOON
Junwoo	Handsome and cosmic	JUN-woo
Minjun	Clever and handsome	MIN-jun
Seojun	Auspicious and talented	SUH-jun
Siwoo	Start of the world	SHE-woo
Sungjin	Accomplished and precious	SUNG-jin
Taehyung	Great and brilliant	TAY-hyung
Woojin	Cosmic and precious	WOO-jin
Yejun	Art and talent	YEH-jun

Girl Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Chaeyoung	Blossom and prosperity	CHAY-young
Dahyun	Great and shining	DAH-hyun
Eunbi	Silver rain; grace and beauty	EUN-bee
Hana	One; first; flower	HAH-nah
Hayoon	Sunlight and soft	HAH-yoon
Jieun	Wisdom and grace	JEE-eun
Jiyeon	Wisdom and beauty	JEE-yun
Minji	Wisdom and benevolence	MIN-jee
Seoyeon	Auspicious and beautiful	SUH-yun
Sohee	Bright and beautiful	SOH-hee
Soojin	Excellent and precious	SOO-jin
Sumin	Excellence and cleverness	SOO-min
Yeonwoo	Beauty and cosmos	YUN-woo
Yuna	Patience; desire; soft	YOO-nah
Yuri	Glass; crystal; reason	YOO-ree

Unisex Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Areum	Beautiful	ah-REUM
Haneul	Sky; heaven	hah-NEUL
Hyun	Wise; virtuous	HYUN
Jimin	Quick-witted; sharp	JEE-min
Kyung	Respect; honor	KYUNG
Min	Quick; clever	MIN
Seo	Felicitous; auspicious	SUH
Subin	Excellent and refined	SOO-bin
Yoon	Allow; consent	YOON

Naming Traditions in Korean Culture

Korean naming is one of the most deliberate and structured traditions in East Asia. Most Korean given names are two syllables, each written with a hanja (Chinese character) selected for its meaning, sound, and the philosophical balance between elements. Many families consult a professional naming specialist, or “jakmyeongga,” who considers the child’s birth date and time, the five Chinese elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), and the balance of yin and yang to recommend names that will bring good fortune and harmony to the child’s life.

The “dollimja” or generation name is a distinctive Korean tradition where all siblings, or all cousins in the same generation, share one syllable of their given name. This shared syllable rotates through a five-element cycle across generations. For example, if one generation’s shared syllable relates to water, the next might relate to wood, following the creative cycle of Chinese elemental philosophy. This system creates an immediate family connection visible in the names themselves and preserves generational identity.

Korean law has historically required that given names be written in hanja, which meant every name had to correspond to valid Chinese characters. This requirement was relaxed in the 1990s to allow pure Korean (non-hanja) names written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This change opened the door to a new wave of native Korean names like Haneul (sky), Areum (beautiful), and Bom (spring) that draw directly from the Korean language rather than Sino-Korean vocabulary. These pure Korean names have become increasingly fashionable among younger parents.

Modern Korean naming shows the interplay between tradition and global influence. While the hanja-based system remains dominant, trends shift rapidly. Currently, shorter and softer-sounding names are favored. The influence of K-pop and Korean entertainment has also made certain names internationally recognizable, with names like Jimin, Jisoo, and Yuna gaining global popularity. Despite these modern influences, the Korean emphasis on meaningful, carefully chosen names remains as strong as ever.

💡 Tip: Trending Korean baby names include Seojun, Hajoon, and Minjun for boys, and Seoyeon, Hayoon, and Jieun for girls. For names that work well internationally, try Hana, Joon, or Yuna. Explore our Name Generator for more Korean-inspired options and check Name Trends for the latest data.

FAQ

How does the hanja system work in Korean naming?

Most Korean given names use hanja (Chinese characters) to convey meaning. Each character has a specific meaning and pronunciation. A two-syllable name combines two characters, creating a layered meaning. For example, the syllable “min” could mean “clever,” “people,” or “gentle” depending on the hanja chosen. Parents often spend considerable time selecting the perfect combination of characters that create a harmonious meaning, sound, and visual appearance.

What is a generation name in Korean families?

A generation name (dollimja) is a shared syllable used by all members of the same generation within an extended family. This syllable follows a predetermined cycle based on the five Chinese elements. For example, all cousins born in the same generation might share the syllable “jun” in their names. This tradition helps identify family connections and generational relationships at a glance, though it has become less strictly observed in recent decades.

Can Korean names be written without hanja?

Yes, since the 1990s Korean law has allowed given names to be written purely in Hangul (the Korean alphabet) without corresponding hanja characters. This has enabled the rise of “sun-urimalnireum” (pure Korean names) that use native Korean words like Haneul (sky), Bom (spring), and Nuri (world). These names have become trendy among younger parents who value Korean linguistic heritage over the traditional Sino-Korean naming system.

References

Behind the Name (2026). “Korean Names.” behindthename.com
Nameberry (2026). “Korean Baby Names.” nameberry.com
Statistics Korea (2025). “Popular Baby Names.” kostat.go.kr
National Institute of Korean Language (2026). “Korean Name Standards.” korean.go.kr

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Baby Care Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (AAP, CDC, WHO) and real parenting experience. Completing her Master's in Digital Innovation at Tunghai University. Read more →