Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make—and if you’re drawn to names with beauty, strength, and deep cultural roots, Korean names are a wonderful choice. Whether you’re honoring heritage or simply love the graceful sounds and symbolism, this list of Korean girl names and Korean boy names is full of names that reflect tradition, individuality, and timeless charm.
How Are Baby Names Chosen in South Korea?
In South Korea, baby names are often chosen with deep thought and intention, blending tradition with personal meaning. Most names are one or two syllables and typically combine two elements: one reflecting the child’s unique identity and another symbolizing family legacy, often shared among siblings or relatives of the same gender.
You’ll also encounter terms like Sino-Korean and hanja when exploring Korean name meanings. Sino-Korean refers to Korean words with Chinese origins, and hanja is the set of Chinese characters used to write Korean names. The hanja selected influences the name’s pronunciation and meaning, giving parents a beautiful way to weave values like love, strength, wisdom, or joy into their child’s identity.1
This naming tradition is somewhat similar to using generational names or shared middle names in other cultures, like how fathers and sons in the U.S. may share a first name across generations.2
Korean Names for Girls and Boys
Below, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of Korean baby names, organized by gender and style — from popular choices to rare gems and sweet, cute Korean names for girls and boys.
Korean Girl Names
Beautiful and meaningful, these Korean names for girls offer something for every style — from graceful favorites like Seo-Yeon and Ha-Eun to rare gems like Ahnjong and Yoonah.
16 Popular Korean Girl Names
These Korean names for girls are widely used across generations and cherished for their graceful meanings. From Ji-Woo, meaning “house of wisdom,” to Su-Bin, meaning “refined beauty,” each one reflects the cultural values of strength, intelligence, and elegance that many parents wish to pass on to their daughters.
1. A-Rin — This is a common name for girls that means “spring.”
2. Chae-Won — The combination of the hanja used for this name means “collect” and “origin.”
3. Da-Eun — This girl’s name means “a lot of grace.”
4. Ga-Eun — This popular girl’s name means “beautiful and kind.”
5. Ha-Eun — Meaning “great summer,” many parents choose this name for a baby girl born in a summer month.
6. Ha-Yun — This name means “natural talent.”
7. Ji-An — Depending on the hanja used, this name can mean “build,” “establish,” or “healthy.”
8. Ji-U — The meaning of this given name for girls is “wise and rich.”
9. Ji-Woo — This is a common name for girls that means “house of wisdom.”
10. Seo-Ah — Meaning “auspicious,” this is a name chosen often for baby girls in South Korea.
11. Seo-Yeon — Depending on the hanja used, this name can mean “beautiful and graceful” or “felicitous omen.”
12. Su-Bin — This is a perfect choice for a baby girl, meaning “refined beauty” in Korean.
13. Ye-Rin — This popular girl’s name means “talented.”
14. Ye-Won — This combination has several meanings, commonly “talent” and “garden.”
15. Yi-Seo — Meaning “happiness and wisdom,” this name is a wonderful choice for a baby girl.
16. Yun-Seo — This name means “allow” and “series.”
17 Cute Korean Girl Names
These cute Korean names for girls pair sweet sounds with charming meanings. Whether it’s Ae-Cha, meaning “loving daughter,” or Jang-Mi, meaning “rose,” each of these names delivers the soft, meaningful vibe many parents love. If you’re looking for cute girl names that feel fresh yet culturally rooted, this list is full of heartwarming options.
1. Ae-Cha — This adorable name means “loving daughter.”
2. Bo-Bae — Meaning “treasure,” this is a less common but cute name for a baby girl.
3. Bong-Cha — This Korean name can mean “ultimate girl” or “superior daughter.”
4. Chija — This is the Korean name for gardenia flowers.
5. Choon-Hee — The meaning of this girl’s name is “spring girl” in Korean.
6. Eun-Kyung — This name means “grace” and “respect.”
7. Heejin — This beautiful Korean name means “precious pearl.”
8. Hei-Ran — In Korean, this cute girl’s name means “grace and orchid.”
9. Hyun-Joo — The combination of hanja for this name means “worthy” and “jewel.”
10. Jang-Mi — If you love flowers, you’ll adore this Korean girl’s name, which means “rose.”
11. Kaneisyeon — This is the word for the carnation flower.
12. Myung-Hee — This Korean girl’s name means “brightness and pleasure.”
13. Ji-Hye — This name means “wisdom” in Korean and is an excellent choice for a baby girl.
14. Ma-Ri — Why not choose an adorable name for your daughter that means “the best?”
15. Soon-Bok — This cute girl’s name means “gentle and blessed.”
16. Yoo-Mi — This name can mean “abundance of beauty” or “eternal beauty” in Korean.
17. Yoon-Suh — For your little ray of sunshine, this name means “sunlight.”
6 Pretty Korean Girl Names
Soft, elegant, and full of beauty, these Korean names for girls — like Hwa-Young and Mi-Ok — shine with delicate charm and cultural meaning. If you’re drawn to pretty girl names that feel delicate yet meaningful, these are lovely options to consider.
1. Da-Hye — The combination of hanja in this name means “beautiful,” “excellent,” “wise,” or “intelligence,” making it a great name for your daughter.
2. Hae-Won — In Korean, this name means “beautiful garden.”
3. Hwa-Young — Meaning “beautiful flower,” this name perfectly fits any baby girl.
4. Mang-Mi — This pretty name means “hope” and “beauty” in Korean.
5. Mi-Gyeong — This name means “beautiful view.”
6. Mi-Ok — The meaning of this girl’s name is “beautiful pearl” in Korean.
12 Unique Korean Girl Names
If you’re searching for Korean names for girls that stand out, this list features rare gems full of meaning and individuality. From poetic names like Yoonah (“light of God”) to radiant picks like Bitna (“shining”), each one offers a special story and cultural depth. These make excellent options for anyone looking for unique girl names with heart and heritage.
1. Aera — This charming and unique name means “love” in Korean.
2. Ahnjong — This rare name means “tranquility.”
3. Bitna — Meaning “shining,” this is a great choice for a unique little girl.
4. Byeol — This is the Korean word for “star.”
5. Chin-Sun — This name means “goodness.”
6. Chun-Ae — This uncommon girl’s name means “noble and love” in Korean.
7. Eun-Hee — The combination of hanja in this name means “grace and pleasure.”
8. Ho-Sook — This uncommon girl’s name means “goodness and purity.”
9. Hye — This is primarily a female name sometimes used for boys and means “intelligence.”
10. Mi-Hi — Meaning “beautiful joy,” this is a wonderful and unique Korean name for girls.
11. Mun-hee — This name means “educated” in Korean.
12. Yoonah — This girl’s name means “light of God.”
Korean Boy Names
Reflecting strength, character, and tradition, Korean names for boys like Ji-Ho, Min-Jun, and Chan-Woo offer meaningful choices rooted in culture.
16 Popular Korean Boy Names
Looking for meaningful and widely loved Korean names for boys? This list highlights names that are not only popular in South Korea but also rich with cultural depth. With strong and inspiring meanings — like Ji-Ho (“wisdom and intellect”) and Yu-Chan (“abundant praise”) — these boy names are a great fit for families who want tradition and purpose wrapped into a stylish, modern name.
1. Do-Yun — This popular boy’s name means “correct path” in Korean.
2. Eun-U — This name means “kindness” and “protection.”
3. Ha-Joon — This boy’s name means “great summer.”
4. Hyeon-U — In Korean, this name means “divine intervention.”
5. I-Jun — Depending on the hanja, this popular name can mean “handsome” or “ruler.”
6. Jae-Yun — Meaning “allow” and “ability,” this is a common name for boys.
7. Ji-Ho — This is a popular name for boys, but is also unisex. It means “wisdom and intellect” in Korean.
8. Ju-Won — The combined hanja of this name means “circumference” and “first.”
9. Jun-Seo — This boy’s name means “handsome and auspicious.”
10. Min-Jae — This name has several meanings in Korean, including “strong” and “smart.”
11. Min-Jun — Meaning “clever and talented,” this is another popular name given to boys.
12. Seo-Yun — This name means “prosperous omen.”
13. Shi-Woo — In Korean, this boy’s name means “excellent universe.”
14. Ye-Jun — Meaning “talented,” this is a fantastic pick if you would like a common name for your son.
15. Yi-An — This boy’s name means “plum tree” in Korean.
16. Yu-Chan — This popular name means “abundant praise.”
17 Cute Korean Boy Names
If you’re searching for Korean names for boys that feel warm, charming, and full of character, this list is packed with thoughtful picks. With short and sweet meanings like “blessing,” “brilliant one,” and “greatness,” these names strike the perfect tone for your little one. You’ll find several cute boy names here that are uncommon but still easy to love — offering a gentle balance of meaning and personality.
1. A-Yeon — This sweet name means “lovely/beautiful connection/relationship.”
2. Beom-Seok — This Korean name means “pattern of a rock.”
3. Byeong — This boy’s name means “bright” or “glorious.”
4. Cho — This is a family name that many parents choose as a given name, and it means “beginning” in Korean.
5. Chung-Hee — In Korean, this boy’s name means “righteous.”
6. Dae — This name has the perfect meaning for a little boy: “greatness.”
7. Geon — This name can have multiple meanings, including “respect” and “strong.”
8. Him-Chan — We love this cute name. It means “powerful” or “spirited.”
9. Hwan — This boy’s name means “brilliant one.”
10. In-Su — Depending on the hanja, this name can mean “humanity,” “wisdom,” or “outstanding.”
11. Jeong — This simple and sweet boy’s name means “gentle” and “loyal” in Korean.
12. Kyong — This name for boys means “brightness.”
13. Sang-Hoon — In Korean, this name means “benevolent.”
14. Seul-Ki — Meaning “wisdom,” this cute boy’s name is sometimes used for baby girls.
15. Shin — This name means “faith and trust.”
16. U-Jin — This is a cute name with a wonderful meaning: “blessing.”
17. Young-Ho — In Korean, this name is perfect for a baby boy and means “great hero.”
11 Unique Korean Boy Names
If you’re drawn to Korean names for boys that stand out from the crowd, this list is full of rare gems. Each name is rich in meaning — from “bright gem” to “wisdom and honesty” — and offers a distinct cultural flair. These unique boy names make a memorable statement and are perfect for parents who want something uncommon yet deeply rooted in tradition.
1. Chan-Woo — This uncommon boy’s name means “bright gem” in Korean.
2. Chang-Uk — This name means “good sunrise.”
3. Chul — If you want a unique name for your son, try this name, which means “firm.”
4. Duri — This name is predominantly masculine but can be unisex. It means “two” in Korean.
5. Gyong-Si — This name means “honor” and “time.”
6. Hae-Jin — In Korean, this rare name means “intelligent” and “precious.”
7. Hyun-Sik — This boy’s name means “wisdom” and “honesty.”
8. Il-Seong — This unique name means “day” and “complete” in Korean.
9. Nam-Gi — Depending on the hanja used, this name can have many meanings, including “south” and “flag.”
10. Sung-Mo — This name is an expression that means “Holy Mother.”
11. Woo-Jin — This Korean name was popular for boys and means “treasure of the family.”
Whether you’re honoring heritage or simply love the sound and meaning behind them, Korean names offer a beautiful way to start your child’s story. From graceful and modern Korean girl names to meaningful and timeless Korean boy names, each one reflects the culture, values, and individuality you may want to pass on.
Want more ideas for your baby boy? Check out our other baby names lists, like modern baby girl names, modern baby boy names, rare boy names, rare girl names, flower names for girls, or nature names. Or head to our baby names hub for even more inspiration.
