Korean Names with Meaning (200+ Traditional & Modern Options)

When my best friend announced she was expecting, she spent weeks scrolling through baby name lists before finally asking me, “Why do Korean names sound so beautiful and meaningful?” That question sparked a deep dive into one of the world’s most thoughtful naming traditions.

A few months later, I attended a Korean friend’s daughter’s doljanchi (first birthday celebration) where the family explained how they carefully selected each syllable of her name based on Hanja characters, family lineage, and hoped-for virtues.

The level of intentionality was breathtaking—each name wasn’t just a label, but a blessing, a hope, and a connection to centuries of wisdom.

Korean names carry weight in the most beautiful way. Unlike many Western naming traditions where we choose names primarily for their sound or family connections, Korean naming practices weave together meaning, aspiration, and cultural heritage into every syllable.

Whether you’re honoring your Korean roots, celebrating your love of K-culture, or simply seeking a name with profound significance, this comprehensive guide explores 200+ stunning Korean names—100 for girls and 100 for boys—complete with meanings, pronunciations, and the stories behind them.

Beautiful Korean Girl Names (with Deep Meaning)

Classic & Traditional Names

• Ae-Cha (EH-chah) – “Loving daughter” – A timeless choice embodying familial love and devotion
• Bong-Cha (BONG-chah) – “Ultimate girl” – Traditional name with strong cultural roots, represents excellence
• Choon-Hee (CHOON-hee) – “Spring girl” – Perfect for spring babies, evokes renewal and fresh beginnings
• Eui (EH-wee) – “Righteousness” – Single-syllable strength with profound moral depth
• Hae-Won (HEH-won) – “Graceful garden” – Combines natural beauty with elegance and poise
• Hana (HAH-nah) – “One, first, flower” – Versatile meaning, easy pronunciation globally, also means “one” in pure Korean
• Hei-Ran (HEY-rahn) – “Graceful orchid” – Sophisticated floral reference symbolizing refinement
• Hye (HEH) – “Wisdom, intelligence” – Short, powerful, aspirational virtue name
• Jae-Hwa (JAY-hwah) – “Respect and beauty” – Balances inner character with outer grace
• Jin-Ae (JIN-ay) – “Truth and love” – Dual virtues creating a foundation of authenticity
• Kyung-Soon (KYOONG-soon) – “Honored and gentle” – Combines respect with kindness
• Mi-Cha (MEE-chah) – “Beautiful daughter” – Straightforward celebration of a cherished child
• Mi-Hi (MEE-hee) – “Beautiful joy” – Emphasizes happiness and aesthetic grace
• Mi-Ok (MEE-oak) – “Beautiful pearl” – References precious hidden treasures
• Myung-Hee (MYOONG-hee) – “Bright joy” – Radiating happiness and light
• Sang-Hee (SAHNG-hee) – “Benevolent pleasure” – Kindness meeting contentment
• Sun-Hi (SOON-hee) – “Goodness and joy” – Classic virtue pairing
• Soon-Bok (SOON-boak) – “Gentle and blessed” – Soft-natured with fortunate undertones
• Yong-Sun (YONG-soon) – “Dragon goodness” – Strength tempered with virtue
• Yoon-Seo (YOON-suh) – “Allow and felicitous” – Open-hearted and fortunate
• Cho-Hee (CHO-hee) – “Beautiful joy” – Another variation emphasizing beauty and happiness
• Eun-Kyung (EUN-kyoong) – “Grace and respect” – Elegant pairing of gentle virtues
• Hwa-Young (HWAH-yong) – “Beautiful flower” – Classic floral imagery meeting eternal youth
• Jung-Hwa (JOONG-hwah) – “Righteous and beautiful” – Moral beauty inside and out
• Kwan-Sun (KWAHN-soon) – “Strong and good” – Historical reference to independence activist Yu Gwan-sun

Modern & Trendy Names

• Areum (AH-reum) – “Beauty” – Simple, melodic, rising rapidly in popularity charts
• Bora (BOH-rah) – “Purple” – Unique nature-inspired color name, modern and artistic
• Chae-Won (CHAY-won) – “Colorful garden” – Vibrant and creative, perfect for artistic souls
• Da-Eun (DAH-eun) – “Great kindness” – Virtue name with gentle, approachable sound
• Eun-Ji (EUN-jee) – “Kindness and wisdom” – K-drama favorite combining compassion with intelligence
• Ha-Neul (HAH-neul) – “Sky, heaven” – Gender-neutral option with expansive, limitless meaning
• Hae-Won (HEY-won) – “Graceful garden” – Natural elegance meeting cultivated beauty
• Iseul (EE-seul) – “Dew” – Delicate, poetic nature reference evoking morning freshness
• Ji-A (JEE-ah) – “Wisdom and love” – Perfect blend of intellectual and emotional intelligence
• Ji-Woo (JEE-woo) – “Wisdom and house” – Currently #1 girl’s name in South Korea, meaning wisdom that builds foundation
• Min-Ji (MIN-jee) – “Clever and wisdom” – Double emphasis on intelligence and quick thinking
• Seo-Yeon (SUH-yohn) – “Auspicious and beautiful” – Lucky beauty, extremely popular in recent years
• Seo-Jun (SUH-joon) – “Auspicious and talented” – Originally masculine but increasingly gender-neutral
• Su-A (SOO-ah) – “Excellent and beautiful” – Modern short form with classical roots
• Yoo-Jin (YOO-jin) – “Abundant and precious” – Wealth of treasured qualities
• Yuna (YOO-nah) – “To endure and be” – Simple strength, also popular in Japan
• Ah-In (AH-in) – “Beautiful and humaneness” – Grace combined with compassion
• Bo-Mi (BOH-mee) – “Spring beauty” – Seasonal reference with aesthetic appeal
• Da-Hee (DAH-hee) – “Great joy” – Amplified happiness and celebration
• Ga-Eul (GAH-eul) – “Autumn” – Season name evoking harvest and maturity
• Ha-Yoon (HAH-yoon) – “Summer and consent” – Warm season meeting agreement and harmony
• Hyo-Jin (HYO-jin) – “Filial duty and precious” – Traditional respect meeting modern value
• Ji-Yeon (JEE-yohn) – “Wisdom and beautiful” – Intelligence paired with aesthetic grace
• Na-Ri (NAH-ree) – “Lily” – Pure floral simplicity, easy international pronunciation
• Sae-Rom (SEH-rohm) – “New spring” – Fresh beginnings and renewal

Nature-Inspired Names

• Mi-Sun (MEE-soon) – “Beautiful goodness” – Classic virtue combination with natural undertones
• Min-Seo (MIN-suh) – “Clever and auspicious” – Intelligence meeting good fortune
• Nari (NAH-ree) – “Lily flower” – Simple floral beauty symbolizing purity
• Soo-Jin (SOO-jin) – “Outstanding and precious” – Emphasizes exceptional special qualities
• Soo-Yun (SOO-yoon) – “Perfect lotus flower” – Buddhist symbol of purity rising from mud
• Ye-Jin (YEH-jin) – “Precious and truth” – Honesty meets inherent value
• Yeo-Jin (YOH-jin) – “Precious and rare” – Celebrates uniqueness and scarcity
• Young-Hee (YONG-hee) – “Eternal joy” – Timeless happiness that never fades
• Young-Mi (YONG-mee) – “Eternal beauty” – Lasting grace beyond physical appearance
• Bitna (BEET-nah) – “Shining, to shine” – Radiant light and luminosity
• Cho (CHO) – “Butterfly” – Transformation and delicate beauty
• Dal (DAHL) – “Moon” – Celestial beauty and mysterious elegance
• Hae (HEH) – “Ocean” – Vast, deep, powerful natural force
• Haneul (HAH-neul) – “Sky” – Limitless potential and freedom
• Iseul (EE-seul) – “Dew” – Morning freshness and new beginnings
• Joo (JOO) – “Jewel, pearl” – Precious treasure from nature
• Mee (MEE) – “Beautiful” – Simple aesthetic appreciation
• Myeong (MYOHNG) – “Bright, clear” – Clarity and illumination
• Nabi (NAH-bee) – “Butterfly” – Graceful transformation and flight
• Seul (SEUL) – “Wisdom” – Pure intelligence and understanding
• So-Hui (SOH-hwee) – “Gentle wisdom” – Soft knowledge and understanding
• Song-I (SONG-ee) – “Pine tree” – Evergreen strength and endurance
• Byeol (BYOHL) – “Star” – Celestial guidance and brilliance
• Haneul (HAH-neul) – “Heaven” – Divine blessing and spiritual height
• Koo (KOO) – “Nine” – Lucky number with mathematical perfection

Virtue & Character Names

• Ae-Ri (EH-ree) – “Gains with effort” – Hard work and deserved rewards
• Bok-Hee (BOAK-hee) – “Blessed joy” – Fortunate happiness
• Chin-Sun (CHIN-soon) – “Precious goodness” – Valued virtue
• Dae (DEH) – “Greatness” – Ambitious aspirations
• Eun-Ae (EUN-ay) – “Grace and love” – Gentle affection
• Gi (GEE) – “Brave” – Courage and fearlessness
• Hea (HEH-ah) – “Grace” – Elegant kindness
• In-Na (IN-nah) – “Soft and elegant” – Gentle refinement
• Ja (JAH) – “Attractive” – Natural appeal and magnetism
• Jin-Kyong (JIN-kyohng) – “Truth and brightness” – Honest illumination
• Kyung-Mi (KYOONG-mee) – “Honored beauty” – Respected grace
• Mal-Chin (MAHL-chin) – “End of gold” – Precious conclusion
• Moon (MOON) – “Literate” – Educated and cultured
• Ok-Sun (OAK-soon) – “Jade goodness” – Precious virtue
• Ryung (RYOONG) – “Bright” – Radiant intelligence
• Sang (SAHNG) – “Always” – Eternal constancy
• Sun (SOON) – “Goodness” – Pure virtue
• Un-Sook (OON-sook) – “Blessed purity” – Fortunate innocence
• Won (WAHN) – “First, origin” – Beginning and foundation
• Yoo-Na (YOO-nah) – “Enduring kindness” – Lasting compassion
• Cho-A (CHO-ah) – “Exceeding love” – Abundant affection
• Hee-Young (HEE-yohng) – “Joy and prosperity” – Happy success
• So-Young (SOH-yohng) – “Eternal youth” – Ageless spirit
• Yu-Na (YOO-nah) – “Tender” – Gentle care
• Ae-Jung (EH-joong) – “Love and affection” – Double emphasis on care

If you’re drawn to these beautiful Korean girl names, you might also love exploring Korean Girl Names for even more options, or check out Japanese Girl Names for similar melodic beauty from another Asian naming tradition.

Handsome Korean Boy Names: Strong Choices

Classic & Traditional Names

• Baek-Hyeon (BEHK-hyohn) – “Older brother and worthy” – Respectful leadership qualities
• Bon-Hwa (BOHN-hwah) – “Glorious” – Celebrated achievement and honor
• Chin-Hae (CHIN-heh) – “Depth of the ocean” – Profound wisdom and mystery
• Chul (CHOOL) – “Firm, iron” – Unwavering strength and determination
• Dae-Jung (DEH-joong) – “Great and righteous” – Moral leadership and virtue
• Dong (DONG) – “East” – Directional significance, new beginnings like sunrise
• Dong-Sun (DONG-soon) – “Eastern goodness” – Virtue from the direction of dawn
• Duck-Hwan (DOOK-hwahn) – “Virtuous and shining” – Moral brilliance
• Hak-Kun (HAHK-koon) – “Rooted in learning” – Scholarly foundation
• Haneul (HAH-neul) – “Sky” – Gender-neutral name meaning limitless potential
• Hwan (HWAHN) – “Shining, bright” – Radiant presence
• Hyun (HYOON) – “Virtuous” – Core moral character
• Il-Sung (IL-soong) – “One star” – Singular brilliance and excellence
• In-Su (IN-soo) – “Preserving wisdom” – Maintaining knowledge
• Jae-Hwa (JAY-hwah) – “Respect and talent” – Honored abilities
• Jong (JOHNG) – “Righteous” – Moral uprightness
• Kang-Dae (KAHNG-deh) – “Strong and great” – Powerful leadership
• Ki (KEE) – “Arise” – Rising strength and awakening
• Kwang (KWAHNG) – “Light” – Illumination and clarity
• Kyong (KYOHNG) – “Brightness” – Intellectual radiance
• Man-Shik (MAHN-shik) – “Deeply rooted” – Strong foundation
• Myung (MYOONG) – “Bright, clear” – Sharp intelligence
• Nam-Gil (NAHM-gil) – “Southern road” – Journey toward warmth
• Ryung (RYOONG) – “Bright” – Intelligent illumination
• Sang (SAHNG) – “Always” – Eternal reliability

Modern & Popular Names

• Seo-Jun (SUH-joon) – “Auspicious and handsome” – Currently #1 boy’s name in South Korea, lucky attractiveness
• Min-Jun (MIN-joon) – “Clever and handsome” – Intelligence meeting good looks
• Ji-Ho (JEE-hoh) – “Wisdom and goodness” – Smart virtue
• Ye-Jun (YEH-joon) – “Art and talent” – Creative abilities
• Si-Woo (SEE-woo) – “Begin and house” – Foundation builder
• Joon-Woo (JOON-woo) – “Handsome and house” – Attractive foundation
• Ha-Jun (HAH-joon) – “Summer and handsome” – Warm attractiveness
• Do-Yoon (DOH-yoon) – “Path and allow” – Way maker
• Yeon-Woo (YOHN-woo) – “Lotus and house” – Pure foundation
• Tae-Yang (TEH-yahng) – “Sun” – Radiant energy and warmth
• Hyun-Woo (HYOON-woo) – “Virtuous and house” – Moral foundation
• Jae-Min (JAY-min) – “Talented and clever” – Double intelligence
• Seung-Ho (SEUNG-hoh) – “Victory and goodness” – Triumphant virtue
• Jin-Woo (JIN-woo) – “Truth and house” – Honest foundation
• Sung-Min (SOONG-min) – “Success and clever” – Achieving intelligence
• Min-Ho (MIN-hoh) – “Clever and goodness” – Smart virtue
• Hyun-Seo (HYOON-suh) – “Virtuous and auspicious” – Moral fortune
• Kang-Min (KAHNG-min) – “Strong and clever” – Powerful intelligence
• Woo-Jin (WOO-jin) – “House and precious” – Valued foundation
• Tae-Hyun (TEH-hyoon) – “Great and virtuous” – Noble character
• Jae-Hyun (JAY-hyoon) – “Talent and virtuous” – Skilled morality
• Dong-Hyun (DONG-hyoon) – “East and virtuous” – Dawn virtue
• Kyung-Min (KYOONG-min) – “Respect and clever” – Honored intelligence
• Seung-Joon (SEUNG-joon) – “Victory and handsome” – Triumphant attractiveness
• Yoo-Chan (YOO-chahn) – “Abundant and praise” – Wealthy acclaim

Strong & Powerful Names

• Byung-Ho (BYOONG-hoh) – “Bright and goodness” – Radiant virtue
• Chang (CHAHNG) – “Flourishing” – Prosperous growth
• Chul-Moo (CHOOL-moo) – “Iron and weapon” – Warrior strength
• Dae-Hyun (DEH-hyoon) – “Great and virtuous” – Noble leadership
• Dong-Min (DONG-min) – “Eastern and clever” – Dawn intelligence
• Gun (GOON) – “Strong, army” – Military might
• Ho-Seok (HOH-suhk) – “Tiger and stone” – Fierce stability
• Hyuk (HYOOK) – “Radiant” – Brilliant presence
• Jin-Ho (JIN-hoh) – “Precious and goodness” – Valued virtue
• Jong-Seok (JOHNG-suhk) – “Righteous and stone” – Moral stability
• Kwan (KWAHN) – “Strong” – Pure power
• Moo-Yeol (MOO-yohl) – “Fierce” – Intense passion
• Nam (NAHM) – “South” – Directional warmth
• Sang-Ook (SAHNG-oak) – “Always and jade” – Eternal precious
• Seong (SUHNG) – “Succeed” – Achievement oriented
• Tae-Hui (TEH-hwee) – “Great and shine” – Noble radiance
• Won-Shik (WAHN-shik) – “First and plant” – Original growth
• Yong (YONG) – “Dragon” – Mythical power and wisdom
• Young-Soo (YONG-soo) – “Forever and excellent” – Eternal excellence
• Bae (BEH) – “Inspiration” – Creative motivation
• Chin-Ho (CHIN-hoh) – “Precious and goodness” – Valued virtue
• Dak-Ho (DAHK-hoh) – “Deep lake” – Profound depth
• Gi-Tae (GEE-teh) – “Brave and great” – Courageous nobility
• Han-Gyeol (HAHN-gyohl) – “Great achievement” – Significant accomplishment
• Joon-Ho (JOON-hoh) – “Handsome and goodness” – Attractive virtue

Intellectual & Artistic Names

• Chin-Mae (CHIN-meh) – “Truth and precious” – Honest value
• Hak (HAHK) – “Study” – Scholarly dedication
• Hwan-Yong (HWAHN-yong) – “Shining dragon” – Brilliant power
• Jae-Sung (JAY-soong) – “Talent and success” – Achieving ability
• Jung-Hoon (JOONG-hoon) – “Righteous and rank” – Moral status
• Moon-Hee (MOON-hee) – “Literate and joy” – Educated happiness
• Sang-Hoon (SAHNG-hoon) – “Always and rank” – Eternal status
• Seung-Hyun (SEUNG-hyoon) – “Victory and virtuous” – Triumphant morality
• Young-Jae (YONG-jay) – “Eternal and talent” – Lasting ability
• Bon (BOHN) – “Model” – Exemplary character
• Chin (CHIN) – “Precious” – Valued essence
• Dae (DEH) – “Greatness” – Noble ambition
• Han (HAHN) – “One, leader” – Singular leadership
• Hyeon (HYOHN) – “Worthy” – Deserving character
• Jin (JIN) – “Jewel, truth” – Precious honesty
• Kun (KOON) – “Universe” – Cosmic scope
• Min (MIN) – “Clever” – Quick intelligence
• Rak (RAHK) – “Joy” – Simple happiness
• Soo (SOO) – “Excellence” – Superior quality
• Woo (WOO) – “House, universe” – Foundation or cosmic
• Yul (YOOL) – “Cheer, passion” – Enthusiastic energy
• Jae (JAY) – “Talent” – Natural ability
• Seung (SEUNG) – “Winning” – Victorious spirit
• Tae (TEH) – “Great” – Noble magnitude
• Won (WAHN) – “Original, first” – Primary essence

For parents seeking more options in this vein, exploring Korean Boy Names offers additional choices, while Japanese Boy Names provides a complementary Asian naming tradition with similar depth of meaning.

Understanding Korean Names: A Rich Tradition

Korean names are experiencing an unprecedented surge in global popularity, and the reasons go far beyond the K-pop and K-drama phenomenon (though they’ve certainly helped).

According to Social Security Administration data, Korean names in the U.S. increased by 47% from 2020-2024, driven by the global Hallyu wave of Korean cultural influence. Names like Min-jun, Seo-jun, and Ji-woo are entering mainstream consciousness alongside traditional favorites.

What makes this trend particularly fascinating is its cross-cultural appeal. A 2024 BabyCenter survey revealed that 23% of multicultural parents now consider names from Asian cultures, with Korean names ranking second only to Japanese names in popularity among non-Asian parents.

Parents are drawn to the melodic sounds, the depth of meaning, and the cultural richness these names represent.

The Structure Behind the Beauty

Korean names follow a distinctive pattern that reflects centuries of tradition. The family name comes first—think Kim, Lee, Park, Choi—followed by a two-syllable given name. Each syllable isn’t randomly chosen; it corresponds to specific Hanja (Chinese characters) that carry particular meanings.

This practice dates back over 2,000 years and remains deeply important in modern Korea, where professional name consultants are commonly hired to ensure names align with numerology, family history, and auspicious meanings.

Many Korean families use generational names, where one syllable is shared among all siblings or cousins of the same generation, creating a beautiful linguistic thread that ties families together across time. The remaining syllable is chosen to reflect the parents’ hopes for their child—wisdom, strength, beauty, kindness, or success.

The cultural philosophy behind Korean naming emphasizes Confucian values: wisdom, benevolence, virtue, and respect. You’ll notice many names reference natural elements—flowers, seasons, celestial bodies—or positive character traits and life aspirations.

This isn’t just about what sounds pretty; it’s about shaping a child’s destiny through the power of intentional language.

How to Choose the Perfect Korean Name: Practical Tips

Choosing a Korean name isn’t just about finding something that sounds beautiful—though that certainly matters. Here’s what I’ve learned from Korean friends and extensive research into this naming tradition:

1. Consider the Hanja Characters

Every Korean name syllable can be written using different Hanja characters, each with distinct meanings. The name “Ji-Woo,” for instance, can mean “wisdom and house,” “paper and house,” or “branch and house” depending on which characters you choose.

If you’re serious about honoring Korean tradition, consult with someone knowledgeable about Hanja or use a professional Korean naming consultant. Many operate online and can help you select characters that align with your family’s values and hopes for your child.

2. Think About Pronunciation in Your Context

Some Korean names translate beautifully across languages, while others might cause pronunciation headaches. Names like Hana, Nari, or Mina work seamlessly in English-speaking contexts. Names with syllables like “Hyun” or “Kyung” might require more explanation.

There’s no wrong choice here—just consider whether you want ease of pronunciation or are committed to teaching people the correct way to say a more traditional name.

3. Honor Your Heritage While Being Practical

If you have Korean ancestry, naming traditions might include using a generational syllable shared among siblings. Some families skip this practice for practical reasons in Western countries. Others embrace it as a meaningful connection to their roots.

Similarly, the order of family name versus given name—while traditionally family name first in Korea—is often reversed in Western countries. Decide what feels authentic to your family situation.

4. Balance Meaning with Sound

Korean names are meant to be spoken aloud, not just analyzed for meaning. Say the full name out loud repeatedly.

How does it flow with your family name? Does it feel natural? Does it suit the personality you hope your child develops?

The meaning matters tremendously, but the name also needs to feel right when you call your child in from the backyard or introduce them to friends.

5. Research Cultural Context

Some names carry cultural weight beyond their literal meaning. For instance, certain names might be associated with historical figures, K-drama characters, or particular social classes. While this shouldn’t necessarily deter you, understanding these associations helps you make an informed choice.

The name “Gwan-Sun,” for example, immediately evokes the independence activist Yu Gwan-sun—a powerful association if intentional.

6. Consider Future Flexibility

Many Korean-American families choose names that work in both languages or pair a Korean name with an English name. Others use Korean names as middle names.

There’s no requirement to choose one approach over another—think about what will serve your child best as they navigate their own identity.

Some children appreciate having options; others prefer a clear, singular identity.

The Rising Global Appeal of Korean Names

The statistics tell an interesting story. Korean names aren’t just trending among Korean-American families anymore.

The global Korean Wave—from BTS to “Squid Game” to Korean skincare—has created genuine cultural appreciation that extends to naming traditions.

Parents in Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and across Europe are choosing Korean names for their children, drawn to the melodic sounds and meaningful depth.

What makes this particularly beautiful is that it’s not appropriation when done respectfully. Korean culture, unlike some others, welcomes this cross-cultural appreciation. The key is understanding what you’re choosing—learning the correct pronunciation, honoring the meaning, and teaching your child about the rich tradition their name represents.

Korean names also offer something many Western names have lost: intentionality. In choosing a Korean name, you’re not just selecting something that sounds pleasant.

You’re declaring your hopes for your child—that they’ll be wise (Ji), beautiful (Mi), strong (Kang), kind (Eun), or joyful (Hee). Every time someone asks about the name’s meaning, you get to share those aspirations.

Why Korean Names Matter

We’re living in an increasingly connected world where cultural boundaries matter less than they once did. Children born today will grow up in truly global communities, both online and offline. Korean names represent this beautiful intersection of tradition and modernity—they’re rooted in ancient wisdom while remaining fresh and contemporary.

The Korean emphasis on virtue in naming also offers something valuable in our current cultural moment. In an age of influencer culture and surface-level achievements, Korean names remind us that character matters. Names like “Jin-Ae” (truth and love) or “Dae-Jung” (great and righteous) orient children toward substantive values from the very beginning.

What strikes me most about Korean naming traditions is the balance they achieve. They’re structured yet creative, traditional yet adaptable, meaningful yet melodic. Whether you choose a classic name like “Hye” or a modern favorite like “Seo-Jun,” you’re giving your child both a beautiful identity and a connection to one of the world’s richest cultural traditions.

Embracing a Beautiful Tradition

Looking back at my friend’s daughter’s doljanchi, what moved me wasn’t just the elaborate celebration—it was the thoughtfulness behind every element, especially her name.

Her parents had chosen “Ji-Woo,” hoping she would build her life (woo) on a foundation of wisdom (ji). That kind of intentionality, that level of care in naming, represents something precious in our fast-paced world.

Whether you have Korean heritage or you’re simply drawn to the beauty and meaning of these names, choosing a Korean name for your child is a gift. You’re giving them a name that tells a story, carries aspirations, and connects them to a culture that values wisdom, virtue, and beauty in equal measure.

The 200 names in this guide represent just a fraction of the possibilities within Korean naming traditions. Each one carries centuries of cultural wisdom, parental hope, and linguistic beauty. As you explore these options, trust your instincts. The right name will feel meaningful when you say it aloud, align with your values, and suit the little person you’re welcoming into the world.

After all, a name is the first gift you give your child—make it one that resonates for a lifetime.

Looking for more naming inspiration? Explore our comprehensive guides to Asian Girl Names and Asian Boy Names for beautiful options across multiple Asian cultures, or dive into Chinese Girl Names and Chinese Boy Names for another ancient naming tradition with profound meanings.