Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Korean names are deeply rooted in linguistic traditions and often composed of two syllables that carry distinct meanings. Names like Ji-woo (wisdom and house) and Min-jun (sharp and talented) reflect virtues, family values, and cultural pride. These names honor Korea’s rich history and modern identity.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min-ji | Min-ji means "clever" or "smart" in Korean; it's a common name. | Korean | Girl | |
| Min-jin | Min-jin means "clever and precious," originating from Korean culture. | Korean | Unisex | |
| Min-jung | Min-jung means "clever and righteous," originating from Korean culture. | Korean | Girl | |
| Min-kyung | Min-kyung means "clever and prosperous," originating from Korean culture. | Korean | Unisex | |
| Min-seok | Min-seok means "clever stone" in Korean; it signifies strength. | Korean | Boy | |
| Min-suk | Min-suk means "clever" and "pure," originating from Korean culture. | Korean | Boy | |
| Min-woo | Min-woo means "cleverness" and "house" in Korean; it's a popular name. | Korean | Boy | |
| Minari | Minari: Korean name meaning "beautiful orchid," gaining global popularity. | Korean | Girl | |
| Minhee | Minhee: Korean name meaning "bright and intelligent," popular globally. | Korean | Girl | |
| Minho | Minho means "bright" or "shining," originating from Korean culture. | Korean | Boy | |
| Minji | Minji: a popular Korean name meaning "clever and beautiful." | Korean | Girl | |
| Minjung | Minjung: a popular Korean name meaning "bright and righteous." | Korean | Girl | |
| Minsoo | Minsoo: Korean name meaning "clever and excellent," popular for boys. | Korean | Boy | |
| Mintae | Mintae: Korean name meaning "clever," gaining popularity for boys. | Korean | Boy | |
| Minwoo | Minwoo: a popular Korean name meaning "clever and handsome." | Korean | Boy | |
| Minyoung | Minyoung: a popular, unisex Korean name meaning "clever" or "bright." | Korean | Unisex | |
| Mirae | Mirae: Korean name meaning "future," symbolizing hope and potential. | Korean | Girl | |
| Misoo | Misoo: Korean name meaning "beautiful smile," gaining global recognition. | Korean | Girl | |
| Mun | Mun is a Korean male name meaning "cultivated" or "learned." | Korean | Boy | |
| Myung Sun | Myung Sun means "bright sun" in Korean; signifies positivity and warmth. | Korean | Unisex | |
| Myung-soo | Myung-soo means "bright" and "longevity" in Korean; it's traditional. | Korean | Boy | |
| Myung-wha | Korean | |||
| Na-eun | Na-eun means "peaceful" in Korean; it originates from Korean culture. | Korean | Girl | |
| Naeun | Naeun: Korean name meaning "grace," popular for its elegance. | Korean | Girl | |
| Namu | Namu, a Korean name meaning "tree," symbolizes strength and growth. | Korean | Boy | |
| Narae | Narae: Korean name meaning "country," gaining popularity for girls. | Korean | Girl | |
| Nayeon | Nayeon is a popular Korean name meaning "bright" or "shining." | Korean | Girl | |
| Ni | Ni means "you" in Chinese; origin from ancient Chinese language. | Japanese, Korean | Unisex | |
| Paik | Paik: Korean surname meaning "one who is white or pure." | Korean | Either | |
| Piao | Piao is a unique Korean unisex name meaning "to float." | Korean | Unisex |
The name 'Korean' originates from the Goryeo dynasty. Goryeo (918–1392) was a Korean dynasty that was known for its cultural achievements and is the source of the English name 'Korea'. The term 'Korea' is derived from 'Goryeo' as it was transliterated by visiting Persian merchants and later adopted by Europeans.
The name 'Korea' entered the English language via early trade and travel. It was adopted from the name 'Goryeo', which foreign traders and travelers used when referring to the peninsula. Over time, 'Goryeo' was transliterated into various forms, including 'Korea', which became the standard in English.
Yes, the native Korean name for Korea is 'Hanguk' in South Korea and 'Chosŏn' in North Korea. 'Hanguk' is derived from 'Han', a term associated with the Han River and 'guk' meaning 'country'. 'Chosŏn' refers to the earlier Joseon dynasty and means "Land of the Morning Calm".
Different names for Korea in Korean and English are due to historical and linguistic evolution. The native names, 'Hanguk' and 'Chosŏn', are based on historical kingdoms and dynasties, while 'Korea' is derived from the Goryeo dynasty, as perceived by foreign traders. The English name 'Korea' became standardized in Western languages through historical interactions with Europeans.
'Goryeo' means "high and clear". This name was chosen to describe the dynasty's ideals and the clearness of the water and the highness of the mountains of their homeland. The term 'Goryeo' itself was derived from the earlier kingdom of Goguryeo, which was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
Both 'Korea' and 'Corea' are historically correct spellings, but 'Korea' is the widely accepted form in English today. 'Corea' was used in earlier English-language texts and by some countries due to different transliteration standards. Over time, 'Korea' became the dominant spelling in international usage.
Yes, the name 'Korea' has evolved over time. It began as 'Goryeo', which was the name of a dynasty, and through various transliterations and adaptations, it became 'Korea' in English. The changes occurred due to the interactions with and the phonetic interpretations by different cultures and languages.
The historical significance of 'Goryeo' lies in its representation of a significant period in Korean history. The Goryeo dynasty was known for its cultural and technological advancements, including the creation of the Jikji, the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type. The name 'Goryeo' itself became the root for the modern exonym 'Korea'.
In international contexts, South Korea refers to itself as 'Korea' or 'Republic of Korea', and North Korea refers to itself as 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea'. Both countries use the English name 'Korea' as part of their official English-language designations. The use of 'Korea' in both names reflects the shared historical and cultural heritage of the Korean peninsula.
Some countries have different names for Korea due to their own linguistic traditions and historical relations with the Korean peninsula. Each language has developed its own way of referring to foreign places, often based on historical contacts and phonetic adaptations. For example, in Japanese, Korea is referred to as 'Kankoku' for South Korea and 'Chōsen' for North Korea, reflecting historical terms and readings.
