Celebrating your Korean heritage? Considering a Korean name for your baby girl but unsure where to begin? You’ve arrived at the perfect destination. At Koreannames.us, we’ve meticulously compiled a list of 100 captivating Korean girl names, each accompanied by its meaning and interesting insights. This carefully crafted collection aims to simplify your search for the perfect name, allowing you to focus on nursery planning or enjoy some extra rest.
Embark on a journey through our selection of magical, distinctive Korean names for your daughter, and find the one that perfectly encapsulates your dreams for her future.
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100 Captivating Korean Girl Names and Their Meanings
Delve into the enchanting world of Korean names for girls, where each name is a blend of beauty, tradition, and meaning. This curated list encompasses popular, unique, and traditional choices that might just include the perfect name for your daughter.
1. Ae-Cha – 애차
Ae-Cha (애차) – Typically translates to “loving daughter.” Note that the hangul 애차, pronounced “aecha,” can also mean “favorite car,” making it a unique choice depending on your affinity for automobiles.
2. Ari – 아리
Ari (아리) – Derived from “arittapda” (아리땁다), suggesting “pretty,” “lovely,” or “beautiful.” When written with hanja characters like 䢝 (“A,” meaning “second” or “next”) and 利 (“ri,” meaning “benefit”), it adds layers of meaning.
3. Balam – 바람
Balam (바람) – A gender-neutral name meaning “wind,” it showcases the beauty of nature. Interestingly, it’s also an old Georgian name symbolizing “victory over resistance.”
4. Binna – 빛나
Binna (빛나) – Signifies “to shine,” illuminating the path with brightness. The name is shared by influential individuals such as Choi Binna, a curator at the Casco Art Institute.
5. Bora – 보라)
Bora (보라) – Translates to “purple,” a color of royalty and elegance. It’s a versatile name, also found in Albanian (meaning “snow”), Slovene (meaning “pine tree”), and Turkish cultures (meaning “storm”).
6. Boram – 보람
Boram (보람) – Means “valuable” or “worthwhile,” reflecting a sense of significance and purpose. It’s a name carried by talents like Giovanna Boram Yun Echevarría, a distinguished Uruguayan footballer with Korean heritage.
7. Chae-Won – 채원
Chae-Won (채원) – Combines “Chae” (to gather, pluck, color) with “Won” (source, origin, beginning), hinting at a rich foundation and vibrant life. This name was among the top choices for girls in South Korea in 2013, offering a variety of meanings through different hanja interpretations.
8. Chae-Yeong – 채영
Chae-Yeong (채영) – Merges “color” with elements of “glory,” “honor,” or “jade,” presenting a blend of beauty and esteem. The versatility of its spelling, including Chae-Young, adds to its appeal.
9. Da-Eun – 다은
Da-Eun (다은) – A combination of “Da” (many, much more) and “Eun” (charity, kindness, mercy, silver), it evokes generosity and abundance. It shares its name with Daeun-San, a notable mountain in South Korea, adding a geographical connection.
10. Dal-Rae – 달래
Dal-Rae (달래) – Originates from “dalraeda,” meaning “to soothe” or “to lull,” offering a sense of calm and comfort. It also aligns with the Korean wild chive, known for its culinary versatility and mild flavor, symbolizing nourishment and growth.
11. Dam-Bi – 담비
Dam-Bi (담비) – Primarily means sable or martin, a nod to the natural world. While some believe Dam-Bi blends the hanja 潭 (dam, meaning “pond”) with 비 (bi, meaning “rain”), it’s more accurately rendered in hangul as 담비, signifying “martin” when used in names.
12. Dan-Bi – 단비
Dan-Bi (단비) – Symbolizes “sweet rain,” “timely rain,” or “welcome rain,” embodying a sense of refreshment and new beginnings. Celebrated basketball player Kim Dan-Bi, known for her achievements with the Incheon Shinhan Bank S-Birds and national team, shares this name.
13. Da-Som – 다솜)
Da-Som (다솜) – An ancient Korean term for “love,” Da-Som revisits the traditional use of native Korean words for naming. It represents a modern twist on selecting meaningful names beyond those of Chinese origin.
14. Duri – 두리
Duri (두리) – Translates to “two,” offering a playful option for twins, with “Hana” (meaning “one”) as a complementary name. This creative approach adds a unique spin to the concept of naming twins with interconnected meanings.
15. Eun – 은
Eun (은) – Can signify “kindness,” “mercy,” “charity,” or “silver,” showcasing its versatility and depth of meaning. Eun is gender-neutral, used both as a surname and a given name, often forming part of longer names.
16. Eun-Jeong – 은정
Eun-Jeong (은정) – Combines the virtues of “kindness” or “mercy” with the beauty of being “pretty” or “graceful.” Once a prevalent name among South Korean girls in the 1970s, Eun-Jeong remains a classic choice.
17. Eun-Ji – 은지
Eun-Ji (은지) – Merges “kindness,” “mercy,” or “charity” with “wisdom” or “intellect,” reflecting a blend of benevolence and intelligence. Notable bearer Lim Eun-Ji, a South Korean pole vaulter, embodies this name’s spirit through her achievements.
18. Eun-Ju – 은주
Eun-Ju (은주) – Means “grace” or “silver” coupled with “pearl,” “pillar,” or “state,” suggesting a blend of elegance and strength. Eliza Yang, a Korean American who became the face of MTV Korea, was born Eunju Yang.
19. Eun-Jung – 은정
Eun-Jung (은정) – An alternative transcription of Eun-Jeong, indicating its popularity across different spellings and hanja combinations. In the 1970s, Eun-Jung ranked as the third most popular name for girls in Korea.
20. Eun-Kyung – 은경
Eun-Kyung (은경) – Signifies “grace” and “honor,” a name that commands respect and admiration. With numerous spelling variations and hanja combinations, Eun-Kyung offers a wealth of personalized meanings.
21. Eun-Sook – 은숙
Eun-Sook (은숙) – Melds “kindness,” “mercy,” or “charity” with “good,” “pure,” or “virtuous,” creating a name that embodies pure benevolence. Esteemed screenwriter Kim Eun-Sook, known for penning internationally acclaimed TV series like “Secret Garden,” shares this name.
22. Eun-Young – 은영
Eun-Young (은영) – Signifies a blend of “kindness,” “mercy,” or “charity” with “flower,” “petal,” or “bravery.” Jazz musician Woonsan, born Kim Eun-Young, made history as the first Korean to perform at New York City’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club.
23. Ga-Ram – 가람
Ga-Ram (가람) – Simply means “river,” showcasing the trend toward using native Korean words for names, referred to as goyueo ireum, instead of traditional monikers.
24. Geumseong – 금성
Geumseong (금성) – Translates to “Venus,” embodying the beauty and allure of the planet associated with love and beauty. This name highlights the story of Jin Xing, a figure of immense versatility and influence, born to Korean parents in China.
25. Geu-Roo – 그루
Geu-Roo (그루) – Means “tree,” symbolizing growth and stability. Korean American singer Nancy Jewel McDonie, a founding member of the group Momoland, chose this name to connect with her Korean heritage.
26. Gyeong – 경
Gyeong (경) – In South Korea, it’s often written 慶 (“celebration”), while in North Korea, it’s 景 (“scenery”), offering rich cultural significance whether used as a surname or forename.
27. Gyeong-Hui – 경희
Gyeong-Hui (경희) – Combines “respect,” “honor,” and “beauty,” reflecting a legacy of dignity and grace. It shares its name with Gyeonghui Palace, a historic site restored to honor Korea’s rich past.
28. Gyeong-Ja – 경자
Gyeong-Ja (경자) – Means “celebrate” and “child,” harkening back to a time when female names ending in “Ja” were common during the Japanese occupation, though they’re seen as less fashionable today.
29. Gyeong-Suk – 경숙
Gyeong-Suk (경숙) – Blends “capital city” with attributes like “good,” “pure,” “charming,” and “virtuous,” evoking a sense of nobility and allure. Notable bearer Shin Kyung-Suk is renowned for her literary achievements.
30. Gyeo-Wool – 겨울
Gyeo-Wool (겨울) – Translates to “winter,” a name that conveys a sense of calm, resilience, and introspection. It is also the name of a character, Dr. Jang Gyeo-Wool, from the beloved TV drama “Hospital Playlist,” known for her complex personality and deep, unrequited love.
31. Ha-Eun – 하은
Ha-Eun (하은) – Embodies “grand,” “big,” “summer,” and “charity,” “mercy,” “kindness,” reflecting a generous and expansive spirit. Yang Ha-Eun, a celebrated table tennis player who represented South Korea internationally, carries this name.
32. Hana – 하나
Hana (하나) – Means “one,” symbolizing unity and singularity. Hana Mae Lee, a Korean American actress known for her roles in the “Pitch Perfect” series and her stand-up comedy, shares this name.
33. Haneul – 하늘
Haneul (하늘) – Translates to “heavenly” or “sky,” offering a sense of ethereal beauty and expansiveness. Although gender-neutral, Haneul is more commonly used for girls in Korea.
34. Hae-Won – 해원
Hae-Won (해원) – A unisex name meaning “graceful and beautiful garden,” Hae-Won conveys a sense of serenity and natural beauty. It’s a popular choice in Korea, appreciated for its harmonious sound and imagery.
35. Ha-Yun – 하윤
Ha-Yun (하윤) – Combines “summer” with “sky,” painting a picture of warm, limitless potential. In 2019, Ha-Yun emerged as the second most popular name for girls in South Korea, highlighting its contemporary appeal.
36. Hwan – 환
Hwan (환) – Signifies “shining,” “brilliant,” or “lustrous,” reflecting a luminous and radiant character. Despite its simplicity, the name Hwan is versatile, with 21 hangul interpretations approved for name registration in South Korea.
37. Hye-Jin – 혜진
Hye-Jin (혜진) – Often includes the hanja 慧, for “intelligent” or “bright,” and 珍, for “precious” or “rare,” making it a name of wisdom and value. Champion archer Chang Hye-Jin, known for her Olympic victories, is a notable bearer.
38. Hyun – 현
Hyun (현) – Means “deep,” “dark,” “profound,” or “mysterious” when used as a surname. With 42 hanja readings, Hyun offers a deep well of meanings for parents to draw from.
39. Hyun-Joo – 현주
Hyun-Joo (현주) – Merges “virtuous,” “able,” or “worthy” with “jewel” or “pearl,” suggesting a combination of moral integrity and preciousness. Korean American artist Jessi, born Ho Hyun-Ju, exemplifies the name’s strong character.
40. Hyun-Jung – 현정
Hyun-Jung (현정) – Combines “virtuous,” “able,” or “glitter” with “court,” “virtuous,” or “chaste,” conveying dignity and grace. SeolA, a member of the girl group Cosmic Girls (WJSN), embodies this name’s elegance.
41. Iseul – 이슬
Iseul (이슬) – Translates to “dew,” capturing the beauty and freshness of early morning. Iseul represents the contemporary trend in South Korea towards using hangul for monosyllabic names, moving away from the traditional hanja.
42. Jae – 제이
Jae (제이) – Signifies “talent,” “ability,” or “wealth.” While Jae can stand alone, it often forms part of a compound name, adding depth and distinction.
43. Ja-Young – 자영
Ja-Young (자영) – Conveys “prosperity” or “eternity,” a name that suggests enduring success and vitality. The versatile nature of this name allows for its elements to be reversed, offering variations in its presentation.
44. Jeong – 정
Jeong (정) – Embodies qualities such as “loyal,” “virtuous,” “chaste,” “quiet,” or “gentle.” With 84 hanja variations, Jeong is a versatile and gender-neutral choice, used both as a first name and a common surname.
45. Jeong-Hui – 정의
Jeong-Hui (정의) – Combines “quiet,” “still,” “gentle” with “beauty,” “bright,” or “glorious,” symbolizing serene elegance and grace. Queen Jeonghui, a notable historical figure, reflects the name’s regal and dignified character.
46. Jeong-Suk – 정숙
Jeong-Suk (정숙) – Merges “loyal,” “chaste,” “right,” or “proper” with qualities of being “good,” “charming,” “virtuous.” Known bearers like Kim Jung-Sook, the first lady of South Korea, highlight its noble connotations.
47. Ji – 지
Ji (지) – Offers a rich spectrum of meanings including “wisdom,” “intellect,” “branch,” “limb,” “perceive,” “understand,” and “ambition.” Though rare as a standalone name, Ji’s brevity and depth make it compelling.
48. Ji-Eun – 지은
Ji-Eun (지은) – Fuses “branch,” “wisdom,” “ambition” with “kindness,” “mercy,” reflecting a blend of aspiration and benevolence. Song Ji-Eun, a member of the girl group Secret, embodies the name’s blend of talent and grace.
49. Ji-Hu – 지후
Ji-Hu (지후) – Joins “wisdom,” “ambition,” and “branch” with “thick,” suggesting a dense, rich foundation of knowledge and aspiration. While primarily used for boys, Ji-Hu offers an appealing choice for girls as well.
50. Ji-Hye – 지혜
Ji-Hye (지혜) – Means “bright” or “wisdom,” indicative of intelligence and clarity. With numerous hanja combinations, Ji-Hye presents a wide array of potential meanings, making it a popular and versatile choice.
51. Ji-Min – 지민
Ji-Min (지민) – Signifies “ambition,” “purpose,” or “intellect” combined with “quick,” “clever,” or “jade,” embodying both intellectual depth and agility. Professional golfer Kang Ji-Min, known for her victory at the 2005 LPGA Corning Classic, showcases the name’s connotation of success and determination.
52. Ji-Soo – 지수
Ji-Soo (지수) – Comprised of elements meaning “purpose,” “intellect,” or “ambition,” and “luxuriant,” “beautiful,” Ji-Soo captures both inner drive and outer beauty. Blackpink’s Kim Ji-Soo, famed for her influential style, personifies this blend of aspiration and aesthetic.
53. Ji-U – 지우
Ji-U (지우) – Merges meanings of “sesame,” “ambition,” or “will” with “rain,” “house,” “eves,” or “universe,” suggesting a worldly and determined character. K-pop singer JiU, a member of Dreamcatcher, embodies the name’s spirit of versatility and global appeal.
54. Ji-Won – 지원
Ji-Won (지원) – With thousands of possible meaning combinations including “wisdom” and “first,” Ji-Won is a name rich with potential and promise. Actress Kim Ji-Won, recognized for her role in “Lovestruck In The City,” exemplifies the name’s association with success and talent.
55. Ji-Yoon – 지윤
Ji-Yoon (지윤) – Can be crafted with hanja representing “ambition” and “governor,” denoting leadership and vision. Shin Ji-Yoon from the girl group Weekly, celebrated for her musical contributions, reflects the name’s forward-looking and influential nature.
56. Ji-Young – 지영
Ji-Young (지영) – Means “wisdom,” “know,” “perceive,” and “flower,” “glory,” “prosper,” capturing both intellectual depth and flourishing success. Once the most popular name for Korean baby girls, Ji-Young carries a timeless elegance and vitality.
57. Jong – 정
Jong (정) – An alternative transcription of Jeong, highlighting regional variations in spelling. In North Korea, Jong is preferred, reflecting the McCune–Reischauer system’s influence on romanization practices.
58. Joo-Hyun – 주현)
Joo-Hyun (주현) – Known by the stage name Irene, Bae Joo-Hyun, leader of Red Velvet and part of the duo Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi, exemplifies the name’s connection to leadership and artistry in the Korean pop scene.
59. Joo-Won – 주원
Joo-Won (주원) – Integrates “circumference” with “beautiful woman,” “origin,” or “first,” suggesting a well-rounded and pioneering character. Prima ballerina Kim Joo-Won, recognized for her innovative dance style, embodies the name’s blend of beauty and groundbreaking talent.
60. Jun – 준
Jun (준) – Means “talented,” a name that spans cultures with varied meanings in Japanese and Chinese as well, indicating versatility and adaptability. Jun represents a concise but powerful statement of ability and potential.
61. Jung-Eun – 정은
Jung-Eun (정은) – Merges the qualities of “kindness,” “mercy,” and “silver,” symbolizing both moral integrity and value. Lee Jung-Eun, celebrated for her role in “Parasite,” embodies the name’s blend of talent and recognition.
62. Jung-Hwa – 정화
Jung-Hwa (정화) – Combines “virtue,” “straight,” or “upright” with “blossom,” “fireworks,” or “flowery patterns,” reflecting beauty and integrity. Jung-Hwa, a gender-neutral name, resonates with traditional and modern sensibilities alike.
63. Jung-Hyun – 정현
Jung-Hyun (정현) – Signifies “wise” or “affectionate,” capturing both intellect and warmth. Park Jung-Hyun (Lena Park), known for her mesmerizing vocals and nicknamed “National Fairy,” personifies this name’s depth and charm.
64. Kkot-Bi – 꽃비
Kkot-Bi (꽃비) – Translates to “flower rain,” a poetic expression of beauty and natural grace. Actress Kim Kkot-Bi, acclaimed for her indie and breakout roles, showcases the name’s artistic and elegant connotations.
65. Ma-Ri – 마리
Ma-Ri (마리) – An ancient word meaning “the best,” Ma-Ri reflects excellence and universality, making it a fitting choice for families with multicultural backgrounds seeking a harmonious name.
66. Mi-Gyeong – 미경
Mi-Gyeong (미경) – Often means “beautiful city” or “beautiful view,” suggesting both aesthetic beauty and a broad, encompassing perspective. The name’s elegance is paralleled in its Japanese counterpart, Miyako, enhancing its cross-cultural appeal.
67. Min – 민
Min (민) – Symbolizes “quick” or “clever,” denoting agility and intelligence. While Min is typically part of compound names, its simplicity lends itself to versatile and meaningful combinations in Korean naming traditions.
68. Min-Jeong – 민정
Min-Jeong (민정) – Represents “stone resembling jade” and “court,” “chaste,” “tidy,” blending beauty with purity and organization. Mina Cheon, an activist and artist who explores themes of peace and reunification, carries this name.
69. Min-Ji – 민지
Min-Ji (민지) – Combines “clever,” “sharp” with “wisdom,” “intellect,” “perceive,” or “comprehend,” embodying keen insight and understanding. Min-Ji, once a top name choice in Korea, is also celebrated in the music industry by Minzy of 2NE1.
70. Mi-Suk – 미숙
Mi-Suk (미숙) – Means “beautiful,” “good,” “charming,” encapsulating physical beauty and inner goodness. Weightlifter Kang Mi-Suk, representing South Korea on the international stage, exemplifies the strength and grace associated with this name.
71. Myeong – 명
Myeong (명) – Denotes “bright,” “light,” “clear,” embodying clarity and brilliance. The bustling Myeong-Dong shopping district in Seoul, known for its vibrant retail scene and cultural significance, shares this name, highlighting its luminous appeal.
72. Myeong-Suk – 명숙
Myeong-Suk (명숙) – Combines “bright,” “light” with “virtuous,” “charming,” suggesting a person of radiant character and moral integrity. Han Myeong-sook, noted for her historical role and complex legacy as South Korea’s first female Prime Minister, carries this name.
73. Nabi – 나비
Nabi (나비) – Translates to “butterfly,” symbolizing transformation and beauty. “Nabi: The Prototype,” a manhwa by Kim Yeon-Joo, illustrates the term’s cultural relevance, bridging traditional symbolism with contemporary storytelling.
74. Na-Moo – 나무
Na-Moo (나무) – Means “tree,” “firewood,” signifying growth and natural strength. The name Na-Moo has woven itself into popular culture, appearing in various TV series and reflecting a growing trend towards names inspired by nature.
75. Na-Ra – 나라
Na-Ra (나라) – Signifies “country,” “kingdom,” “nation,” embodying a sense of identity and belonging. Performer Jang Na-Ra, dubbed the CF Queen for her numerous endorsements, personifies the name’s widespread appeal.
76. Na-Rae – 나래
Na-Rae (나래) – Means “wing,” evoking flight and freedom. Lee Na-Rae, a pioneering wrestler in the women’s lightweight category, exemplifies the name’s spirit of ambition and achievement.
77. Nari – 나리
Nari (나리) – Translates to “lily,” representing purity and renewal. Tennis player Kim Na-Ri, celebrated for her successes on the ITF Circuit, reflects the name’s grace and competitive spirit.
78. Raon – 라온
Raon (라온) – An ancient word meaning “joyful,” captures a sense of delight and positivity. The RAON laboratory, a significant scientific endeavor in South Korea, underscores the name’s forward-looking and collaborative essence.
79. Sang – 상
Sang (상) – Typically used as a surname with the hanja 尙, meaning “still” or “yet,” Sang suggests enduring qualities. As a versatile forename, it offers a wide range of interpretations through its 35 hanja variations, reflecting diversity and depth.
80. Seo-Hyun – 서현
Seo-Hyun (서현) – With meanings such as “auspicious” and “virtuous,” Seo-Hyun conveys a blend of good fortune and moral excellence. Lee Seo-Hyun, a prominent figure in South Korea’s business and cultural sectors, embodies the name’s sophisticated and influential nature.
81. Seong – 성
Seong (성) – While it can convey various meanings, Seong, particularly as a surname, signifies “to succeed.” With twenty-seven hanja interpretations, Seong is occasionally seen as a monosyllabic forename but more commonly forms the first element of a two-syllable name.
82. Seong-Min – 성민
Seong-Min (성민) – Denotes “complete,” “nature,” with “quick,” “clever,” or “sharp,” a blend that suggests intelligence and completeness. Predominantly a boy’s name in Korea, Seong-Min offers an intriguing and distinctive choice for a girl, especially outside Korea.
83. Seo-Yeon – 세현
Seo-Yeon (세현) – Merges “omen,” “auspicious,” or “felicitous” with “beautiful” or “graceful,” encapsulating beauty and good fortune. South Korean footballer Shim Seo-Yeon, who has represented her country internationally, exemplifies the name’s graceful and strong connotations.
84. Seo-Yun – 세윤
Seo-Yun (세윤) – Combines hanja for “omen,” “auspicious,” “felicitous” with “soft,” “sleek,” portraying a gentle yet positive essence. The popularity of Seo-Yun has seen fluctuations, making it a modern favorite with a timeless appeal.
85. Seul-Gi – 슬기
Seul-Gi (슬기) – Translates to “blue jewel” and “foundation rise,” suggesting rarity and foundational strength. Kang Seul-Gi of Red Velvet, celebrated for her versatility and style, embodies the name’s unique and uplifting spirit.
86. Seung – 승
Seung (승) – A gender-neutral name, Seung is represented by hanja that mean “ascent,” “rise,” “excel,” “victory,” or “inherit,” alluding to achievement and legacy. It’s also a name of significance in other cultures, adding a universal dimension to its appeal.
87. Seung-Wan – 승완
Seung-Wan (승완) – Blends “inherit,” “succeed,” “victory,” or “excel” with “complete,” “settle,” “whole,” or “play with,” signifying a comprehensive triumph. Shon Seung-wan, known as Wendy of Red Velvet, reflects the name’s connotation of resilience and success.
88. Sook-Ja – 숙자
Sook-Ja (숙자) – Combines “pure,” “charming,” or “virtuous” with “child,” denoting innocence and virtue. Hong Sook-Ja, a trailblazer in international relations, showcases the name’s embodiment of dignity and influence.
89. Su-Bin – 수빈
Su-Bin (수빈) – With potential meanings like “outstanding” and “refined,” Su-Bin reflects excellence and sophistication. Su-Bin Bak, Royal Noble Consort of King Jeongjo, exemplifies the name’s historical depth and nobility.
90. Su-Jin – 수진
Su-Jin (수진) – Merges “beautiful,” “outstanding,” “luxuriant” with “real,” “genuine,” or “precious,” signifying authentic beauty and value. Once a favored choice, Su-Jin remains a classic, embodying timeless elegance and authenticity.
91. Sun-Young – 선영
Sun-Young (선영) – Combines “kind-hearted” or “good” with “young,” “eternal,” “flower,” “petals,” “heroic,” or “clever.” This name, reflective of kindness and enduring qualities, is popular in various forms, each emphasizing a blend of benevolence and brilliance.
92. Ye-Eun – 예은
Ye-Eun (예은) – Signifies “fame” or “charity,” with a vast array of hanja combinations contributing to its popularity. Athlete Park Ye-Eun, representing the unified Korean hockey team in the 2018 Winter Olympics, showcases the name’s prominence and versatility.
93. Yeo-Jeong – 여정
Yeo-Jeong (여정) – Merges “beautiful” with “gentle,” embodying grace and elegance. Cho Yeo-Jeong, renowned for her roles in “The Servant” and “Parasite,” personifies the name’s blend of beauty and depth.
94. Yeong – 영
Yeong (영) – With 44 hanja variations including “eternal,” “flourishing,” and “shadow” or “reflection,” Yeong serves as a foundational element in many names, suggesting continuity and vitality.
95. Yeong-Ja – 영자
Yeong-Ja (영자) – Combines “flower,” “brave,” “flourishing” with “child,” symbolizing vibrant growth and youthful courage. The movie “Yeong-ja’s Heydays” reflects the name’s capacity to capture complex narratives of life and love.
96. Ye-Rim – 예림
Ye-Rim (예림) – Brings together “talent,” “ability,” “art,” and “beautiful jade,” denoting both artistic skill and inherent beauty. Kim Ye-rim (Yeri) of Red Velvet exemplifies the name’s artistic allure and charm.
97. Yoo-Jung – 유정
Yoo-Jung (유정) – With thousands of potential combinations, Yoo-Jung can convey meanings like “friendly” or “modern,” offering a wide range of personal attributes and contemporary appeal. Author Jeong You-Jeong, celebrated for her literary contributions, bears this name, signifying depth and innovation.
98. Yong – 영
Yong (영) – Represents “dragon,” a symbol of power and mystique. The name Yong, with its variations and the common hanja 龍, embodies strength, wisdom, and cultural significance, drawing from the rich symbolism of dragons in Korean folklore.
99. Young-Hee – 영희
Young-Hee (영희) – Merges “flower,” “petal” with “play,” or “beauty,” reflecting joy and elegance. Comedian Kim Young-Hee, known for her vibrant performances and unique style, personifies the name’s playful and radiant essence.
100. Young-Sook – 영숙
Young-Sook (영숙) – Combines “flower,” “petal,” “brave” with “good,” “charming,” “virtuous,” encapsulating both bravery and virtue. The historical popularity of Young-Sook, and its significant presence in South Korea, highlights its enduring appeal and rich cultural resonance.
Understanding the intricacies of Korean naming conventions can be quite enlightening, especially for those new to Korean culture. Here’s a primer to help you get acquainted with this fascinating system.
Korean names typically consist of three parts: the surname comes first, followed by a generational name, and then the individual’s given name. It’s a tradition for siblings to share the generational name, reflecting their familial ties.
When it comes to writing these names, practices vary. Some people hyphenate the generational and given names (e.g., Eun-Ju), while others combine them into one word (e.g., Eunju). Furthermore, the Romanization of Korean names can result in various English spellings. For example, Eun-Ju might also appear as Eun-Joo, Un-Joo, or Un-Ju, including their non-hyphenated forms.
Deciphering the meanings behind Korean names involves understanding hanja—the traditional Korean characters borrowed from Chinese— and hangul, the Korean alphabet. Many names can be written in both scripts, with hanja often providing specific meanings based on the characters used. For instance, the name Eun-Ju could have over 2,280 possible interpretations, depending on the hanja combination chosen from 30 hanja for “eun” and 76 for “ju.”
In compiling definitions for our list of names, we’ve taken several approaches:
- When a consensus exists on the most common hanja meanings, we’ve provided these details.
- For names with multiple common forms, up to three typical meanings per syllable have been shared.
- In cases where narrowing down to specific hanja proved challenging, we sought insights from Korean acquaintances.
- Occasionally, a name may have a singular meaning, which we’ve then eagerly utilized.
It’s important to note that:
- You might encounter varying definitions for the same name element throughout the list due to the rich complexity of hanja meanings.
- While we’ve strived for accuracy in meanings, it’s possible that the names we’ve detailed may carry additional interpretations not included here.
Also, see
- Korean Surnames for Girls
- Popular Male Korean Names
- Popular Korean Boy Names
- List of Korean Girl Names and Meanings
Choosing a name is a significant decision, aiming to select a moniker that holds personal significance while also considering its suitability throughout a person’s life. Although individuals can legally change their names, the hope is for your chosen name to be a lasting fit for your child, resonating with both their heritage and their future.