Nickname help!
We want to name our baby Penelope but we can’t decide on a nickname? Help!
Korean baby boy names are a little bit special.
They’re full of meaning, and deeply rooted in tradition.
And yet, thanks to modern trends and multicultural settings (like Korean-American communities), these names continue to evolve, offering a world of choice for new and expectant parents.
So, if you’re looking to honor your family’s Korean heritage, or you want to give a loving nod to Korean culture in general, we’ve got just the selection of names to help.
In this article: 📝
- How do you choose a Korean name?
- What are common Korean male names?
- What is the most popular Korean boy name?
- What are cute Korean boy names?
- What is good Korean boy name?
- What are some unique Korean boy names?
How do you choose a Korean name?
Before we dive into our list of Korean baby boy names, it’s handy to understand the basics of the Korean naming process.
Basically, Korean baby names are made up of two to three elements (often three syllables).
The first part is for the family name, and the next part is their given name.
Here’s how it works:
- The first syllable is the family name (similar to a Western surname).
- The second syllable is typically the generational name or dolimja (돌림자). This shows that the baby belongs to a particular generation in a specific family.
- The third syllable is a unique name, often picked by the grandfather or a professional name.
So when looking at Lee Min-Ho (이민호), you know that “Lee” is the family name, and “Min-Ho” is the given name.
The given names are usually hyphenated and made up of two elements – each with separate meanings.
This has led to a variety of contemporary male Korean names, with multicultural families often opting for a hybrid name that pays homage to the traditions of old while embracing a modern flair.
So, what are some of the best Korean first names for boys? Let’s take a look.
Note: Korean names are traditionally written in Hanja or the Hangul alphabet.
Here, we’ve provided the more common translations.
What are common Korean male names?
These are among the most common Korean boy names and meanings:
Heads up: If you want to put your own spin on any of the names on this list, it’s common for Korean-American versions to drop the hyphen or switch up the spelling, changing a “u” for “oo” or vice-versa.
- Bae: Loosely translated as “inspiration,” Bae can be used alone or as part of a longer name.
- Baek-Hyun: The first part of the name (Baek) means “white,” and the second part (Hyun) can mean “clever.”
- Bitgaram: Meaning “shining river,” this water name flows with vibrancy and purpose.
- Bon-Hwa: One of the more majestic Korean names for men, Bon-Hwa means “glorious.”
- Chin-Mae: Meaning “truth,” this is a pure, sweet-sounding name.
- Chung-Hee: A solid and powerful choice, Chung-Hee means “righteous.”
- Dae-Hyun: This name can translate as “big show-off,” so you could have your hands full!
- Dong-Hyun: Meaning “virtuous shine”.
- Gi: Meaning “brave,” Gi is a mighty, courageous name for a fearless little boy.
- Hak-Kun: This name means “rooted in intelligence.” Perfect if you want to encourage a bright spark.
- Han-Gyeol: Meaning “uniformity”.
- Hyun-Woo: Meaning “divine intervention”.
- In-Su: Meaning “preserving wisdom.” Ideal for a little one wise beyond their years. 🦉
- Jeong-Hoon: Meaning “correct rank”.
- Ji-Hoon: Meaning “wisdom rank”.
- Jung-Hoon: Meaning “correct rank”.
- Kija: This regal name is shared by a legendary king who brought Chinese culture to the Korean people millennia ago.
- Kwang-Sun: This one means “wide goodness.” Appropriate for a little bundle bringing so much joy.
- Kyong: Another name that means “brightness,” Kyong simply rolls off the tongue.
- Man-Shik: Meaning “deep rootedness,” one of the many Korean men’s names giving a nod to the tradition of old.
- Saem: Meaning “fountain” or “spring,” this short name is as pure as it is lovely.
- Sang-Hoon: Meaning “meritorious”.
- So: Short and sweet, So means “smile.” And we’re betting you will, every time you look at your son.
- Sung-Ho: Meaning “bright”.
- Sung-Hoon: Meaning “ice prince”.
- Sung-Min: Meaning “quick character”.
- U-Jin: This name can mean “universe” and “genuine.” Popular with mixed-heritage families, it sounds familiar in both Korean and English.
- Young-Chul: Meaning “eternal wisdom”.
- Young-Jae: This one means “mountains of prosperity.” A fitting name for a life-changing, joyous momen
- Young-Soo: Meaning “prosperous”.
Is Moon a Korean name?
Yes, it certainly is:
- Moon: In Korean, the name moon means “learned” or “literate.” One small step towards a baby bookworm, mama.
Or, if you’re after Korean boy names that mean “moon”, how about:
- Dal: A cute, short name, Dal means “moon”. Fun fact: The moon is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity for Korean people. 🌕
Is Sun a Korean name?
Yes, Sun is a gender-neutral Korean name, although it’s often added as a hyphenated Korean boy name, it can also be used solo:
- Sun: Meaning “goodness”.
And here are a few Korean boy names that mean “sun” to shine a light on your baby name:
- Ha-Ru: Meaning “sunlight”. ☀️
- Ha-Yoon: Meaning “summer sunlight”.
- Sank-Ook: Meaning “with the morning sun”.
What Korean name means sun and moon?
A Korean boy name with the majesty and inspiration of the sun and the moon – sounds perfect.
And better yet, you have a choice of four
- Gyeong-Shin: Meaning “sun and moon”.
- Myeon-Jin: Meaning “sun and moon”.
- Myeong-Shin: Meaning “sun and moon”.
- Yang-Jin: Meaning “sun and moon”.
What Korean boy name means handsome?
There are a few Korean men’s names that mean “handsome” for you to choose from:
- Minjun: A popular and enduring name, Minjun has a variety of meanings, from “likable” to “handsome” and “intelligent.” No pressure, kid!
- Mos-Issneun: Meaning “handsome”.
- Seo-Jun: Meaning “comfortable and handsome”.
- Ye-Jun: Meaning “talented and handsome”.
What Korean name means God?
Well, Hana-nim is the traditional Korean name for God, but it’s not commonly used as a Korean boy’s name.
Instead, how about:
- Ha-Eun: Meaning “God’s grace”.
What Korean name means angel?
Again, there aren’t any traditional Korean names for men that mean “angel”, but you could always go for a truly unique boy’s name with:
- Cheon-Sa: Meaning “angel”. 👼
What Korean name means star?
The Korean name for “star” is typically for girls, but we love it as a gender-neutral Korean name:
- Byeol: Meaning “star”. ⭐️
What Korean name means tiger? 🐯
There are a few options for male Korean names meaning “tiger”, but they’re usually part of a hyphenated name, although you can use them by themselves if you prefer:
- Beom: Meaning “tiger”.
- Holangi: Meaning “tiger”.
What Korean name means lion?
Prefer a Korean boy name that evokes the power of the king of the jungle?
Of have a little Leo on the way?
How about:
- Saja: Meaning “lion”. 🦁
What Korean name means dragon?
From something more fearsome and edgier than a tiger (or a lion for that matter), it’s got to be:
- Yong: Meaning simply “dragon,” there are very few names as symbolic and powerful as Yong.
- Young-Ho: Meaning “dragon”.
- Yong-Sun: Meaning “dragon in first position”. Leave baby in no doubt of where they stand.
What Korean name means sky?
For the baby boy who lights up your sky, how about:
- Haneul: Meaning “heaven and sky,” this is one for that little blessing in your life.
What Korean name means dark?
There are a few meanings to this Korean name, but one of them is perfect for your little dark-haired or dark-eyed baby boy:
- Eoduun: Meaning “dark”.
- Hyun: Meaning “dark” or “mysterious”.
What Korean name means joy?
We love this Korean name for your bundle of joy, although again, it’s traditionally a Korean girl name:
- Areum: Meaning “joy”.
Or how about the Korean word for “joy”?
- Gippeum: Meaning “joy”.
What Korean name means snow?
There aren’t any traditional Korean names for boys that mean “snow”, but how about working this Korean word meaning snow into your little one’s name?
- Nun: Meaning “snow”. Perfect if they were born during snowfall!
What Korean name means ocean?
If your little one was born by the ocean, or you have ties to the sea, you’ll love these Korean boy names:
- Bada: Meaning “ocean”.
- Daeyang: Meaning “ocean”.
- Hae: Meaning “ocean”.
What is the most popular Korean boy name?
After some of the more popular Korean boy names?
These Korean male names are popular in Korea and beyond (and for good reason):
- Do-Yun: Meaning “correct path”.
- Eun-Woo: Meaning “merciful and outstanding”.
- Ha-Jun: Meaning “summer”.
- Ji-Ho: Meaning “bright wisdom”.
- Ji-Hu: Meaning “thick wisdom”.
- Ji-Yoo: Meaning “rich wisdom”.
- Joon-Woo: Meaning “divine protection”.
- Jun-Seo: Meaning “easy felicitations”.
- Ju-Won: Meaning “origin of circumference”.
- Seo-Joon: Meaning “comfortable and talented”.
- Seo-Yun: Meaning “auspicious softness”.
- Shi-Woo: Meaning “protected by rain”.
- Si-Woo: Meaning “the start of the rain”.
- Soo-Ho: Meaning “protect your loved one”.
- Yae-Joon: Meaning “talented”.
- Yoo-Joon: Meaning “courageous friend”.
What is the most popular male name in Korea?
According to Haps Korea, out of all the Korean men’s names, the most popular choice in 2021 was:
- Yi-Joon: Meaning “harmony”.
What are cute Korean boy names?
Looking for the cutest Korean name for your growing man?
We think these Korean names for boys are super-cute, either in meaning or the way they sound:
- Byeong-Ho: Meaning “bright”.
- Chin-Hae: Meaning “truth”.
- Chul: Meaning “bright”.
- Duri: Meaning “two”.
- Hye: Meaning “bright”.
- Hyeon: Meaning “virtuous”.
- Il-Seong: Meaning “end of the day”.
- Kwan: Meaning “strong”.
- Seok: Meaning “stone”.
- U-Ri: Meaning “we”.
- Yong-Rae: Meaning “clever”.
What Korean name means love?
There aren’t any common Korean boy names that mean “love”, so how about taking these Korean words for “love” and working it into your little treasure’s name?
- Dasom: Meaning “love”.
- Salang: Meaning “love”.
What is good Korean boy name?
Still searching for the perfect Korean name for your baby boy?
Here are a few more of our favorite powerful (and cool) male Korean names:
- Chin-Hwa: Meaning “wealthy”.
- Cho: Meaning “beautiful”.
- Dak-Ho: Meaning “deep lake”.
- Do-Yun: Meaning “correct way”.
- Dong-Sun: Meaning “Eastern integrity”.
- Duck-Hwan: Meaning “integrity returns”.
- Eun: Meaning “silver”.
- Ga-Ram: Meaning “river”.
- Ha-Da: Meaning “admire”.
- Han-Wool: Meaning “heavenly”.
- Him-Chan: Meaning “powerful”.
- Ho-Seok: Meaning “bestowed sign”.
- Ho: Meaning “entourage”.
- Hwan: Meaning “bright”.
- Jae-Hwa: Meaning “rich”.
- Jun: Meaning “talented”.
- Jung-Ho: Meaning “right and good”.
- Jung: Meaning “gentle”.
- Kang-Ae: Meaning “Ginger child”.
- Ki: Meaning “strong”.
- Min: Meaning “clever”.
- Mun-Hee: Meaning “educated”.
- Sam: Meaning “third child”.
- Seo-Jin: Meaning “lucky town”.
- Seong-Su: Meaning “success” or “sacred”.
- Seung: Meaning “inherit”.
- Shik: Meaning “planting”.
- Soo: Meaning “excellence”.
- Suck-Chin: Meaning “unshakable rock”.
- Whan: Meaning “enlarging”.
- Woong: Meaning “magnificence”.
- Yon: Meaning “lotus blossom”.
- Yoon-Gi: Meaning “shine”.
- Yun-Seo: Meaning “allow”.
What is the coolest Korean name?
We did promise you cool boy names.
If dragons, lions, and tigers don’t cut it, how about:
- Chan-Yeol: A name that can mean “bright” and “fiery.” A passionate combo.
- Minji: Meaning “quick wit”. The epitome of cool.
- Tae-Hyun: A name with presence, this one can mean “large” or “highest” and “good” or “virtuous.”
- Yoobin: Meaning “charming”. It will literally be their name.
What are some unique Korean boy names?
If you’re after a Korean name for boys that’s every bit as unique as your little one, you’re in the right place!
Combine your favorites for truly rare Korean male names:
- Ahn: Meaning “tranquility”.
- Bai: Meaning “pure”.
- Bong: Meaning “phoenix”.
- Byun: Meaning “excitable”.
- Chaewon: Meaning “beginnings”.
- Cheong: Meaning “gentle”.
- Chung-Ae: Meaning “noble love”.
- Dea: Meaning “great one”.
- Doh: Meaning “achievement”.
- Dohyun: Meaning “virtuous”.
- Duri: Meaning “two people”.
- Eun-Ae: Meaning “grace with love”.
- Eunji: Meaning “mercy”.
- Geon: Meaning “construct”.
- Gyeong: Meaning “scenery”.
- Gyunghui: Meaning “beautiful”.
- Ho: Meaning “summer” or “sky”.
- Hwan: Meaning “brilliant”.
- Hye: Meaning “knowledgable”.
- Hyejin: Meaning “bright”.
- Hyeon: Meaning “worthy” and “dark”.
- Hyung: Meaning “older brother”.
- Hyun-Ki: Meaning “wise”.
- Iseul: Meaning “morning dew”.
- Ja: Meaning “child”.
- Ji-Hyun: Meaning “ambition”.
- Ji-Seok: Meaning “like a rock”.
- Jieun: Meaning “hidden”.
- Jimin: Meaning “quick”.
- Jisoo: Meaning “wise”.
- Jiwoo: Meaning “mercy”.
- Kang: Meaning “ginger”.
- Ki: Meaning “strong”.
- Kil: Meaning “cool”.
- Kim: Meaning “gold”.
- Kyung-Hu: Meaning “just”.
- Min: Meaning “clever”.
- Minseo: Meaning “calm”.
- Nam-Gil: Meaning “my way”.
- Nam: Meaning “south”.
- Namjoo: Meaning “wooden marble”.
- Ryung: Meaning “shiny”.
- Seo-Jin: Meaning “lucky town”.
- Seo-Yoon: Meaning “auspicious”.
- Seong: Meaning “accomplish”.
- Soo: Meaning “excellence”.
- Sook: Meaning “pure”.
- Soon-Bok: Meaning “gentle and blessed”.
- Sun-Hi: Meaning “goodness”.
- Sun: Meaning “goodness”.
- Tae: Meaning “incredible person”.
- Taeyang: Meaning “sun”.
- When-Yeong: Meaning “reflective shadow”.
- Won-Shik: Meaning “head of the family”.
- Yeo: Meaning “rule”.
- Yeona: Meaning “heart of gold”.
- Yoon-Suh: Meaning “thank you”.
The beauty of Korean names is that so many of them are gender-neutral.
If the names above haven’t grabbed you, don’t despair, eomma.
Check out our list of Korean baby names (and the Korean girl names in particular) for even more ideas.
Or if you’re in the market for cool and rare baby names, we’ve got you covered there too.
And if you need a second, third, or fourth opinion, the mamas and moms-to-be on Peanut will be glad to lend an ear and some helpful baby-naming advice.