Korean Boy Names

Welcoming a new baby boy into the family is an exciting time, filled with joy and anticipation. One of the key tasks is picking the perfect name for the little one.

Korean boy names offer a range of choices, from popular to unique, powerful to beautiful.

These names not only carry special meanings but also reflect rich traditions and modern trends in Korean culture.

Here is a selection of Korean boy names and their meanings to help you find the one that feels just right for your new addition.

Choosing Korean Names for Boys

Ji-ho

The name Ji-ho can be written with or without a hyphen and in different formats such as Jiho or Ji Ho.

Ji-ho is typically made up of two syllables, and each can contribute to the name’s different meanings.

“Ji” often signifies wisdom or intellect, while “Ho” might mean vast or great.

Byeong-Ho

Byeong-Ho combines the syllables “Byeong” and “Ho.”

“Byeong” can mean bright or glorious and “Ho” can represent greatness or the sky. This name can have multiple interpretations depending on the combination of hanja characters used.

Hyeon

“Hyeon” is a name that might require several strokes to write in hanja.

The syllable “Hyeon” is often associated with virtues like wisdom or worthiness. Depending on the hanja used, it can have various positive meanings.

So

“So” is a rare Korean boys’ name that consists of just one syllable, meaning smile. It’s a simple but meaningful name that conveys happiness and joy.

Baek Hyeon

“Baek” typically means older brother, while “Hyeon” signifies worthiness.

This name is often chosen for its traditional sound and meaningful combination, suggesting an elder sibling’s esteem and value.

Min-Jun

The name Min-Jun can have multiple meanings.

“Min” might signify cleverness or quickness, while “Jun” can mean handsome or talented. This name combines attributes that many parents find desirable for their son.

Dong-Ha

“Dong-Ha” includes two syllables where “Dong” can represent east or wisdom and “Ha” can mean summer or sky.

The combination of these syllables offers a rich variety of interpretations based on the hanja used.

Hyun-Woo

Hyun-Woo involves the syllables “Hyun,” symbolizing virtue or wisdom, and “Woo,” meaning house or protection.

These syllables combined make a name that evokes feelings of safety and intelligence.

Joo-Won

“Joo” can signify circumference or pearl, while “Won” might mean origin or first. Together, Joo-Won encompasses ideas of wholeness and new beginnings, making it a meaningful name choice.

Sang-Hoon

“Sang-Hoon” combines “Sang,” which can mean mutual or beneficial, and “Hoon,” suggesting teaching or wisdom. This name carries values of mutual benefit and learning.

Tae-Hyun

“Tae” means great or exalted, and “Hyun” signifies virtue or worthiness.

Choosing Tae-Hyun for a boy could reflect aspirations for greatness and moral integrity.

Seok-Jin

“Seok” often means stone or strong, and “Jin” symbolizes treasure or truth. Seok-Jin is a name that conveys strength and value, appealing to many parents.

Young-Soo

“Young” can represent eternal or forever, while “Soo” might mean long life or excellence. Together, Young-Soo portrays a lasting and excellent character.

Ho-Jun

“Ho” can mean vast or great, and “Jun” might signify talented or handsome. This combination reflects qualities of grandeur and attractiveness.

Yun-Seo

“Yun” often signifies soft or lovely, while “Seo” might mean auspicious or blessed. Yun-Seo is a charming name with positive and fortunate meanings.

Kang-Min

“Kang” can represent strong or river, and “Min” might signify cleverness or quickness. This name blends attributes of strength and intelligence.

Byung-Hyun

“Byung” may mean bright or glorious, and “Hyun” signifies virtue or worthiness. Together, Byung-Hyun portrays a bright and virtuous character.

Jae-Sung

“Jae” often means wealth or talent, while “Sung” signifies star or success. This name is brimming with connotations of prosperity and achievement.

In-Soo

“In” can mean benevolence or kindness, while “Soo” signifies long life or excellence. In-Soo is a name rich with good qualities and aspirations.

Seung-Ho

“Seung” often signifies victory or success, and “Ho” can mean vast or great. Choosing Seung-Ho might reflect a desire for triumph and greatness for a boy.

Sung-Min

“Sung” means star or success, and “Min” represents cleverness or quickness. Sung-Min conveys a combination of brilliance and intelligence.

Jong-Hyun

“Jong” can mean legacy or bell, while “Hyun” signifies virtue or worthiness. Jong-Hyun is a name that evokes a sense of lasting value and goodness.

Kyung-Ho

“Kyung” often signifies respect or honor, while “Ho” can mean vast or great. Kyung-Ho is imbued with the qualities of honor and grandeur.

Myung-Soo

“Myung” can represent life or light, and “Soo” signifies long life or excellence. Myung-Soo is a name that denotes vitality and superb qualities.

Soo-Hyun

“Soo” means long life or excellence, while “Hyun” signifies virtue or worthiness. Soo-Hyun is a name rich in positive attributes and moral integrity.

Dong-Woo

“Dong” can represent east or wisdom, and “Woo” may mean house or protection. Dong-Woo is a name that reflects the wisdom and safety of a home.

Popular Korean Boy Names

Do-yun

Do-yun combines do, which means “path, road, way,” with yun, translating to “allow, consent.” These are the most common meanings, but other hanja variations also exist for this name.

Eun-woo

Eun-woo is a charming choice for a Korean boy.

Eun stands for “kindness, mercy, charity,” and woo can mean “house,” “universe,” “help,” “protect,” “bless,” among other things, depending on the hanja used.

Ha-joon

Ha-joon is a trendy name with a delightful meaning.

Ha translates to “summer,” while joon means “talented” or “handsome,” making it a unique and cute name for baby boys.

Ji-ho

Ji-ho is a robust name combining elements of strength and intelligence.

The hanja for Ji can mean “wisdom, knowledge, intelligence,” and Ho can mean “tiger, brave, fierce.”

Ju-won

Ju-won creates a distinctive name with its combination of hanja.

Ju can mean “circumference,” while won stands for “first, origin.” Together, the name carries a sense of being foundational or primary.

Min-jun

Min-jun has flexible meanings, depending on the hanja.

Min may mean “quick, clever, sharp” or “gentle, affable,” and jun, like joon, means “talented, handsome.” This gives the name variations like “clever, talented” or “sharp, handsome.”

Seo-jun

Seo-jun offers multiple interpretations.

Seo can mean “felicitous, omen, auspicious” or “to open up, unfold, comfortable, easy.” Combined with jun meaning “talented, handsome,” it provides a range of meaningful options.

Si-woo

Si-woo is a lovely name with a poetic touch.

Si means “begin, start,” and in combination with *woo (u), it can signify “divine intervention, protection, rain,” making it a cute and meaningful choice.

Ye-jun

Ye-jun is popular among artistic families.

Ye translates to “art, talent, craft,” while jun means “talented, handsome.” Together, they create a name that resonates with creativity and skill.

Yu-jun

Yu-jun gives a strong impression.

Yu has unclear origins, but when paired with jun, the name can mean “king, ruler” or “talented, handsome,” offering a name full of strength and authority.

Unique and Rare Korean Boy Names

Beom Seok

Combining the elements Beom and Seok, this name is both unique and meaningful.

Beom translates to “model or pattern,” while Seok means “rock, stone.” Together, they form the name Beom Seok, which translates to “pattern of a rock.”

Bong

Bong is a distinctive name inspired by mythology. It refers to a “mythical bird,” particularly the phoenix that is known for rising from the ashes. This name carries a sense of rebirth and strength.

Dong

Derived from place names that usually indicate towns or cities, Dong means “east.” This name can also symbolize the rising sun, making it a creative and powerful choice.

Duck-Hwan

For those looking for a name with a strong, significant meaning, Duck-Hwan is perfect.

The combination of characters gives it the meaning “the return of the virtue,” making it a noble choice.

Hak-Kun

Hak-Kun is an ideal name for someone who values literacy and knowledge. It means “one with literary roots,” making it a great option for future book lovers or scholars.

In-Su

If you want a name that reflects intelligence and wisdom, consider In-Su. This name has the unique meaning of “preserving wisdom,” suitable for a little genius.

Joon Woo

This name can be pieced together from its components, Joon (jun), meaning “handsome” or “talented,” and woo, which can mean “divine intervention,” “protection,” or “rain.” Together, they create a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Man-Shik

For a name that symbolizes commitment and dedication, Man-Shik is an excellent choice. It translates to “deeply rooted into something,” offering a sense of stability.

Sang-Ook

Parents who wish for their child to have a healthy and positive future might choose the name Sang-Ook.

This name means “one who is always well and healthy.”

Su-Jin

Su-Jin is another unique name promising a healthy future.

Su means “long life, lifespan,” and jin means “precious, rare.” Combined, Su-Jin conveys a wish for a long and valuable life.

Cute Korean Boy Names

Baek Hyeon

Baek Hyeon is a meaningful name that could be perfect if you hope to have two children. The name combines Baek, meaning “older brother,” and Hyeon, meaning “worthy and virtuous.”

This name suggests that your little boy will be a wonderful older sibling someday.

Chung Ae

Chung Ae is a name full of love and importance. It translates to “noble” and “love,” which shows just how cherished your baby boy is to you.

It’s a beautiful way to express the affection you have for him.

Dae-Ho

Hoping your son will have a great personality? Dae-Ho could be the name you’re looking for. It combines “great” and “personality,” indicating that your boy will grow up to be charming and endearing.

Du-Ho

Du-Ho is a name that can pave the way for a good future. With meanings like “head” and “goodness,” this name suggests that your son will always think of and strive for goodness in his life.

Duri

Duri is a charming name from the Gyeongsang dialect in eastern South Korea. It means “two,” making it a cute choice if he’s your second child.

For twins, it pairs well with the name Soo-ji. Or, continue the numerical theme with the name Sam, which means “three.”

Eun

Eun is a versatile Korean boys’ name with various lovely meanings. It can translate to “kindness,” “mercy,” or “charity,” giving it a gentle and caring feel that’s perfect for any little boy.

Kwang

Looking for a fun and unique name? Kwang means “wild,” adding a sense of adventure to your baby boy’s name.

It’s a playful option for a spirited child.

Ryung

Ryung is a modern and bright name for your baby boy. Meaning “brightness,” it reflects the joy and light your child brings into your life.

It showcases a modern twist by using a single syllable rather than traditional hanja combinations.

So

So is an adorable name that also doubles as a family name from the Cholla South province. It means “smile,” making it a sweet and cheerful name for your little boy, perfect if you prefer last names as first names.

Yeong

Yeong is a name rich with beautiful meanings. Depending on the hanja used, it can mean “flower,” “petal,” “brave,” or “hero.”

This name has historical significance, inspired by the fifteenth-century scientist Jang Yeong-sil.

Korean Names for Boys With Cool Meanings

Bitgaram

Bitgaram means “light river.” It’s a unique name that combines the beauty of nature with elegance.

Chin-Hae

Chin-Hae stands for “truth” or “depth of the ocean.” This name captures a poetic and serene essence.

Chin-Mae

Chin-Mae also means “truth” and can signify “a person who always speaks the truth.” It’s a name that carries a strong and honest meaning.

Duck-Young

Duck-Young is made up of hanja characters meaning “virtue” and “unchanging, everlasting.” It suggests a steadfast and moral character.

Hoon

Hoon translates to “teaching.” The name implies that the person is a source of knowledge and wisdom, someone others can rely on for guidance.

Hyuk

Hyuk means “radiant.” It’s a short and simple name that reflects brightness and brilliance.

Ji-Won

The name Ji-Won combines “wisdom, intellect” and “first, origin.” Together, it forms a powerful meaning like “the origin of wisdom.”

Seok

Seok means “stone” or “rock.” It’s a strong and simple one-syllable name that reflects stability and strength.

Young-Jae

Young-Jae holds the meaning of “someone destined to be ever prosperous.” It’s a name that suggests a future filled with success and abundance.

Yong-Sun

Yong-Sun means “the dragon in the first position.” This powerful name could imply being the strongest or most influential, just like a mighty dragon.

Powerful and Strong Korean Boy Names

Chul

Chul is a powerful boys’ name that means “firm.” It embodies a sense of steadfastness and resilience, making it a strong choice for a baby boy who you hope will stand strong in his beliefs.

Dae

Dae carries a meaning that reflects greatness and brilliance. It translates to “the great one” or “shining,” making it a name that underscores the importance and bright nature of the little boy who bears it.

Haneul

Haneul is a beautiful and strong name for boys, with a profound meaning of “heaven, sky.” This name brings to mind vastness and boundless potential, perfect for a child meant to soar high.

Il

Il is a simple yet commanding name that means “superiority.” It conveys a sense of excellence and prowess, making it a fitting choice for a boy destined to lead and achieve great things.

Jum

For those who favor royal or leadership connotations, Jum is a wonderful option. This name means “king, ruler,” highlighting a sense of authority and command, making it ideal for a child with leadership qualities.

Kang-Dae

Kang-Dae is a tough, no-nonsense name that signifies might and strength. It is made up of hanja characters that individually mean “one who is mighty and strong,” a perfect fit for a child with a powerful presence.

Man-Young

Man-Young is perhaps one of the most powerful Korean boys’ names, meaning “ten thousand years of prosperity.” It is a name that carries with it a deep wish for enduring success and well-being.

Seung

Seung is a versatile and strong name with various meanings. It can mean “rise, ascent,” “victory, excel,” or “inherit.” Each of these meanings conveys a sense of progress, excellence, and legacy, making it a solid choice for a boy’s name.

Won-Shik

Won-Shik combines two meaningful elements. “Won” means “head” or “root,” while “shik” can mean “family.” Together, this name translates to “the head or root of the family,” emphasizing a foundational and leading role within the family unit.

Yun-Seo

Yun-Seo is a name imbued with leadership qualities. “Yun” means “to govern,” and when “seo” is combined with “won,” it means “series, sequence.” This name suggests a future leader who will guide others and maintain order.

Beautiful Korean Names for Boys

Byeong-Ho

Byeong means “bright, luminous, glorious,” and Ho can mean either “great, vast” or “summer, heaven.” This combination results in a beautiful name that suggests light and greatness.

Bon-Hwa

This name represents a glorious person. Your little boy can shine brightly with this meaningful and lovely name.

Chin-Hwa

For those seeking a name that signifies both beauty and power, Chin-Hwa is a perfect choice. It translates to “the most prosperous and wealthiest of all.”

Dong-Yul

Dong means “east,” symbolizing the rising sun, and Yul means “having passion.” Together, they create a name that evokes the beauty of a passionate dawn.

Do Hyun

This name merges Do, meaning “path,” and Hyun, meaning “virtuous.” It suggests a prosperous and virtuous journey through life.

In

A traditional and elegant name, In means “humanity” or “wise.” It’s a name that implies thoughtfulness and wisdom.

Korain

This name means “one who is luminous and glorious.” It shares a luminous charm similar to Bon-Hwa but with its own unique flair.

Kyong

Kyong is a name that symbolizes brightness. It’s one of the many Korean boy names that carry the meaning of light and radiance.

Tae

A straightforward and traditional name, Tae means “one who is a great person.” It’s short, sweet, and to the point.

Yong

This name offers two possible meanings: “brave” or “perpetual, eternal.” Either interpretation provides a strong and enduring sense of character.

K-pop Korean Boy Names

Baekhyun

If you’re into K-pop, you’ve likely heard of EXO. Baekhyun, a member of this group, is not just a singer and songwriter but also an actor. His name holds the adorable meaning of “older brother” and “virtuous, worthy.”

Daniel

Though not a traditional Korean name, Daniel is popular among K-pop idols. Daniel from Wanna One goes by this Westernized name, while his Korean name is Eui-geon. Meaning “God is my judge,” Daniel is also a great choice for those looking for biblical names.

Hoshi

Hoshi, a member of SEVENTEEN, uses this Japanese girls’ name that means “star.” His Korean name, Soon Young, can mean “beauty” and “brave, hero.”

Jin

Jin from BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys, is a well-known figure in K-pop. His full name is Seok-Jin, but he simply goes by Jin, which means “precious, rare.”

Jinyoung

Jinyoung is a singer and actor in the band Got7. His name combines “jin” and “young,” which translate to “rare, precious” and “flower, petal” or “brave, hero,” respectively.

Ji-Sung

Ji-Sung is a member of Wanna One. His name carries the meanings of “wisdom, intellect” and “completed, succeeded.”

Johnny

Johnny from NCT 127 is another example of a K-pop star with an American name. His Korean name, Young Ho, means “rare, precious” and “summer, heaven.” Johnny’s American name, John, translates to “Yahweh (God) is gracious.”

Jungkook

Another popular member from BTS, Jungkook, spells his stage name as one word. “Jung” means “quiet, still, gentle.”

Mingyu

Mingyu, a singer in the boy band SEVENTEEN, has a name with a unique meaning. “Yu” means “jade,” which is a precious gemstone, and “ming” means “bright.”

Suho

Suho is the stage name of Jun-myeon, a member of EXO. Suho translates to “guardian,” while Jun-myeon means “talented,” “handsome,” and “endeavor.”

More K-pop Korean Names for Boys

Pop music continues to provide inspiration for the next generation. Here are even more options for Korean male names from K-pop bands!

Good Korean Boy Names

Da

Short, simple, and sweet, the name Da means “to attain.”

Dae-Jung

Former South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung had this name, and he received a Nobel Peace Prize. In this combination, dae means “great, vast” and jung can mean “middle.”

Dong-Min

The element dong means “east,” as in the rising sun. When combined with min, which means “cleverness,” you get a poetic Korean boy’s name.

Hyun Ki

This cute name has some of the sweetest meanings. The hanja combinations can mean “wise,” “astute,” “intelligent,” and “clever.”

Yoo Joon

Yoo is a variant of yu or yuu and has multiple meanings, including “tenderness,” “evening,” “friend,” “qualified,” “courage,” and “help.”

Joon (yoon) has a simpler meaning of “handsome.” There are many meanings to choose from for this cute name.

Hyeon-Jeong

For a cute and unique name, try Hyeon-Jeong, which, in this combination, means “shine,” “virtuous,” and “loyal.”

Jae

For a unique one-syllable name, Jae is a great option. Though short, it has several hanja options and meanings, such as “talent, ability” and “wealth, riches.”

Ji-Su

This name combines ji, which means “purpose,” “ambition,” or “wisdom,” with su, meaning “luxuriant, beautiful.”

It’s a truly beautiful and powerful name.

Sang-Hun

A good choice for a strong name, Sang-Hun combines unique meanings. Sang means “still,” and hun means “meritorious deed, rank.”

Seong

This name combines well with several hanja, but when alone, it simply means “completed, succeeded.”

Even More Korean Boy Names

Seojun

Seojun combines “seo,” meaning auspicious or good, and “jun,” meaning talented or handsome.

Doyun

Doyun is made by combining “do,” which can mean province or degree, and “yun,” which signifies consent or allow.

Jisoo

Jisoo can be split into “ji,” meaning wisdom, and “soo,” meaning excellence or outstanding.

Hyunwoo

Hyunwoo merges “hyun,” which means virtuous, with “woo,” meaning divine intervention or protection.

Minho

Minho blends “min,” referring to quick-mindedness, and “ho,” symbolizing vastness like a large lake.

Woojin

Woojin combines “woo,” which means protection or shelter, and “jin,” meaning treasure or genuine.

Taeyang

Taeyang brings together “tae,” meaning great or big, and “yang,” which stands for the sun.

Jiho

Jiho joins “ji,” symbolizing wisdom or will, and “ho,” referring to vastness or a lake.

Hyunsu

Hyunsu unites “hyun,” meaning virtuous or kind, and “su,” which signifies outstanding or exceptional.

Juwon

Juwon combines “ju,” meaning jewel, and “won,” which means origin or first.

Seungmin

Seungmin melds “seung,” which signifies victory, and “min,” meaning clever or sharp.

Jaehyun

Jaehyun joins “jae,” meaning talented or wealth, and “hyun,” meaning virtuous or wise.

Kyungsoo

Kyungsoo combines “kyung,” which means respect, and “soo,” meaning outstanding or exceptional.

Joonhee

Joonhee merges “joon,” meaning talented or handsome, and “hee,” for brightness or joy.

Donghae

Donghae blends “dong,” which means east, and “hae,” that symbolizes ocean or sea.