Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most meaningful decisions you will make. If you are drawn to names with symbolism, history, and cultural depth, Korean baby names offer a rich blend of tradition and style.
Many Korean names carry layered meanings shaped by hanja (Chinese characters used in Korean names), allowing parents to express hopes, values, and traits they wish for their child. From poetic choices tied to virtues or seasons to newer picks rising in popularity, this guide highlights Korean girl names and Korean boy names that feel thoughtful and full of character.
How Are Baby Names Chosen in South Korea?
Korean baby names are often chosen with deep intention, balancing family traditions with personal meaning. Most names are one or two syllables and combine two elements, with one part reflecting individual identity and the other tied to shared family or generational significance.
When exploring Korean name meanings, you will often see references to Sino-Korean origins and hanja characters. Each hanja combination shapes the meaning of a child’s name, allowing families to choose expressions of love, wisdom, joy, or virtue in a way that honors both heritage and hope.1,2
Korean Names for Girls and Boys
The lists below bring together Korean baby names for girls and boys, arranged by style and popularity. You will find well-known favorites alongside less common choices so you can explore options that match your family’s story and preferences.
Korean Girl Names
Korean girl names often sound lyrical and meaningful, with many influenced by cultural stories, virtues, and family traditions. Some are widely recognized, while others offer a more distinctive sound that still feels deeply rooted in Korean heritage.
16 Popular Korean Girl Names
Many of the most popular Korean girl names have been cherished across generations. Their meanings often reflect qualities like wisdom, joy, or kindness, making them appealing choices for families who value both sound and significance.
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 Playful Korean Girl Names
Some Korean girl names use softer sounds and sweet meanings that give them a playful feel. This group highlights options that feel warm, approachable, and full of personality.
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 Soft Korean Girl Names
For parents who prefer gentle, delicate-sounding options, these Korean girl names offer a softer style. Their meanings and sounds create a calm, graceful feel.
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 Less Common Korean Girl Names
Families looking for less common Korean girl names may appreciate the distinctive sounds and meaningful origins found in this group. Each option offers cultural depth and a name style that feels a little different from more widely used choices.
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.
The Birth You Deserve Starts Here
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
Korean boy names often highlight qualities such as wisdom, character, and hope. Many draw on cultural traditions and stories, blending meaningful origins with memorable sounds.
16 Popular Korean Boy Names
These popular Korean boy names are often chosen for their purposeful meanings and familiar sounds. Many reflect traits that families value, like intelligence, kindness, or talent, and have remained favorites over time.
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 Playful Korean Boy Names
A handful of Korean boy names feel especially warm and approachable, with meanings that give them a lighthearted, friendly tone. This section gathers those choices for parents who enjoy names with an easy, playful charm.
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 Less Common Korean Boy Names
This final group features less common Korean boy names that stand out while still honoring tradition. Their distinct sounds and meaningful origins make them memorable options for families seeking something a bit different.
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.”
Korean names carry a rich blend of history, meaning, and artistry, offering a heartfelt way to begin your child’s story. Whether you are honoring cultural roots or simply drawn to the depth behind these names, each one reflects values and hopes you may want to share with your little one.
If you would like more inspiration beyond these Korean names, explore our other origin-based collections, such as Italian baby names, Indian baby names, or Greek baby names. You can also visit our Baby Names Hub for many more ideas from around the world.
