As you prepare to welcome a baby boy into your family, one of the most exciting tasks is choosing the perfect name. If you’re interested in Korean boy names, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of popular, cute, unique, powerful, and beautiful names along with their meanings. In addition to the names, we’ve provided some insights into traditional and modern Korean naming practices to help guide your choice.
Understanding Korean Boy Names
When selecting a Korean name, it helps to understand how names are typically formed and chosen in Korean culture. Here are a few key points to consider:
Syllables and Characters
Most Korean given names consist of two syllables or characters derived from Sino-Korean roots. These syllables are treated as one unit and can be written together, hyphenated, or separately. For instance, the name Ji-ho can be written as Jiho, Ji ho, or Ji Ho. The style of writing doesn’t change the meaning.
Because of this structure, middle names are not as common in Korean culture as they are in Western traditions, where multiple names are often emphasized. However, some one-syllable names do exist, like So, which means “smile” and is a simple yet meaningful choice.
Hangul
The Korean alphabet, called Hangul, has 24 basic letters and 27 complex letters, referred to as hanja when used in names. A combination of hanja can have various meanings depending on how they are combined. Therefore, Korean names can carry multiple interpretations, and parents typically choose a meaning that resonates with them. For example, the name Byeong-Ho can have different meanings based on its hanja, such as “bright,” “glorious,” “vast,” or “heaven.”
Pronunciation
Hanja characters often have multiple pronunciations, adding even more possibilities for name meanings. While some names may look similar in spelling, they can have slightly different meanings depending on the regional dialect or pronunciation.
Gender
Traditionally, Korean names for boys often reflect strength and masculinity, while girl names might embody beauty or gentleness. However, modern naming practices are more flexible, and gender-neutral names are becoming popular. You might also find boy names with softer meanings, breaking away from conventional gender roles.
Naming Traditions
While not every family follows traditional methods, some still choose names based on custom. One common tradition is matching the number of strokes used to write the hanja in a child’s name with their birth date or time. Another practice is consulting a shaman or fortune teller to find a lucky name that promises prosperity and happiness for the child.
Popular Korean Boy Names and Meanings
With a deeper understanding of how Korean names are chosen and formed, you’re ready to explore the list of names. Some parents opt for names with classic or traditional meanings, while others prefer more modern and unique combinations. For example, Baek Hyeon is a name that holds special significance for families with siblings, as Baek means “older brother,” and Hyeon can mean “worthy.”
We’ve compiled 200 Korean boy names, each offering a range of potential meanings depending on the hanja chosen. Remember, the final meaning of your baby’s name is often up to you—choose what feels most meaningful and fitting for your new addition!
Popular Korean Boy Names
For some families, selecting popular and trendy names that resonate with a specific generation is ideal. Here are some Korean boy names that are currently popular:
- Do-yun – A name that typically combines do (path, road, way) with yun (allow, consent), offering a meaningful and spiritual tone.
- Eun-woo – Eun means kindness or charity, while woo (or u) can mean house, universe, or protect, creating a compassionate name.
- Ha-joon – Ha means summer, and joon means talented or handsome, a name with a bright and uplifting meaning.
- Ji-ho – This name carries strong meanings such as wisdom or tiger, signifying bravery and intelligence.
- Ju-won – Combining ju (circumference) and won (first, origin), this name symbolizes strength and origin.
- Min-jun – With options like sharp and talented, Min and jun create a name that’s both gentle and smart.
- Seo-jun – This name can mean auspicious or unfolding talent, blending beauty and fortune.
- Si-woo – A poetic name, combining Si (begin, start) with woo (divine intervention, protection, rain).
- Ye-jun – Meaning art and talent, this name reflects creativity and beauty.
- Yu-jun – Combining strength with royalty, Yu means unknown power, and jun means king or ruler.
Unique and Rare Korean Boy Names
Looking for a name with a unique or uncommon meaning? Consider these options:
- Beom Seok – This name translates to “pattern of a rock,” symbolizing strength and stability.
- Bong – Referring to a mythical bird, likely the phoenix, Bong offers a connection to strength and rebirth.
- Dong – Meaning east, this name represents the rising sun and new beginnings.
- Duck-Hwan – Meaning “the return of virtue,” it symbolizes renewal and integrity.
- Hak-Kun – Perfect for a book lover, this name means “one with literary roots.”
- In-Su – Meaning “preserving wisdom,” this name is perfect for a future intellectual.
- Joon Woo – Combining handsomeness and divine protection, this name offers elegance and strength.
- Man-Shik – Meaning “deeply rooted,” this name signifies steadfastness and loyalty.
- Sang-Ook – Representing health and well-being, this name promises a bright future.
- Su-Jin – Combining su (long life) and jin (precious), this name signifies longevity and rarity.
Cute Korean Boy Names
These Korean names have adorable meanings and offer a sweet start for your little one:
- Baek Hyeon – Meaning older brother and virtuous, it’s perfect if you plan to have more children.
- Chung Ae – Meaning noble love, this name symbolizes importance and adoration.
- Dae-Ho – This name means great personality, setting your son up for a charming future.
- Du-Ho – With meanings of goodness and head, this name ensures a prosperous path.
- Duri – A Gyeongsang dialect name meaning two, perfect for a second child or twins.
- Eun – A versatile name, often meaning kindness or mercy.
- Kwang – Meaning wild, it’s a fun, lively option for a unique boy’s name.
- Ryung – This name means brightness, symbolizing the light your baby brings.
- So – A cute option, So means smile, representing happiness.
- Yeong – Combining bravery and heroism, this name has a strong and sweet appeal.
Korean Boy Names With Cool Meanings
If you’re looking for names with a cool and modern vibe, check out these options:
- Bitgaram – A poetic name meaning light river, perfect for a peaceful and bright boy.
- Chin-Hae – Meaning depth of the ocean, this name evokes wisdom and depth.
- Chin-Mae – Another version meaning truth or one who always speaks the truth.
- Duck-Young – Meaning unchanging virtue, this name promises a life of integrity.
- Hoon – A name meaning teaching, it signifies guidance and wisdom.
- Hyuk – Simple and cool, this name means radiant.
- Ji-Won – Combining intellect and origin, this name is powerful and wise.
- Seok – Meaning stone or rock, this name represents strength.
- Young-Jae – Meaning destined to be prosperous, this name brings a sense of success.
- Yong-sun – A powerful name meaning dragon, evoking strength and leadership.
Powerful and Strong Korean Boy Names
Give your baby boy a name that evokes strength, with these powerful choices:
- Chul – A strong name meaning firm or resolute.
- Dae – Meaning the great one or shining, perfect for an important and bright child.
- Haneul – Meaning heaven or sky, a beautiful name with a sense of power.
- Il – Meaning superiority, a great choice for a powerful baby boy’s name.
- Jum – A royal name meaning king or ruler, ideal for a future leader.
- Kang-Dae – A name that means mighty and strong, perfect for a tough little boy.
- Man-Young – Meaning ten thousand years of prosperity, this is a powerful and hopeful name.
- Seung – A name with multiple meanings such as rise, victory, or ascent.
- Won-Shik – Meaning head or root of the family, symbolizing leadership.
- Yun-Seo – Meaning to govern or sequence, this name represents future leadership.
Beautiful Korean Boy Names
For a name that reflects your baby boy’s beauty and grace, consider these options:
- Byeong-Ho – Meaning bright and vast, this is a name full of light and power.
- Bon-Hwa – Meaning glorious, this name will shine brightly.
- Chin-Hwa – Meaning the wealthiest or most prosperous of all.
- Dong-Yul – Meaning passion from the east, this is a poetic and vibrant name.
- Do Hyun – Meaning virtuous path, setting your child on a beautiful journey.
- In – A simple and meaningful name, representing humanity and wisdom.
- Korain – Meaning one who is glorious, a radiant and beautiful choice.
- Kyong – A bright and cheerful name meaning brightness.
- Tae – Meaning a great person, a simple yet powerful name.
- Yong – With meanings like brave or eternal, this name is both beautiful and enduring.
These Korean boy names offer a blend of tradition, strength, and beauty, allowing you to choose a name that resonates with your personal values and hopes for your child’s future.