To help with choosing a Korean name for your baby boy, it’s helpful to understand how Korean names are formed and selected. Korean given names are typically made up of two Sino-Korean roots that can be written together, hyphenated, or separately. They can have multiple meanings depending on the combination of letters (1).
Some names also use hanja characters with multiple pronunciations, leading to even more meanings. While traditional gender roles can sometimes influence the meaning of a name, gender-neutral are also common in Korean culture. It’s also important to note that dialects and regional variations can affect pronunciation and meaning.
In This Article
101 Popular Korean Names for Boys and Meanings
Whether you’re searching for traditional, modern, strong, or Korean American names, these Korean names for boys are suitable for any family.
Baekho (백호)
Baekho is derived from the mythological white tiger that symbolizes strength and power. It is often given to boys who are believed to possess strong and fearless personalities.
Bong-Cha (봉차)
Bong-Cha is a Korean name that reflects the country's traditional culture of ancestor worship. The name means "offering of incense" and is often given to boys born into families that value filial piety and respect for their ancestors.
Byung-Cheol (병철)
Byung-Cheol is a popular Korean name that means "valuable soldier". It is often given to boys who are believed to possess strong leadership qualities and a sense of duty and responsibility.
Chan-Ho (찬호)
Chan-Ho is a Korean name that means "full of praise". It is often given to boys who are believed to have a bright and optimistic personality.
Chang-Ho (창호)
Chang-Ho is a Korean name that means "protector of a palace". It is often given to boys who are believed to be courageous and strong.
Chi-Won (치원)
The name Chi-Won is a combination of two hanja characters that mean "wisdom" and "praise." The name is often given to express the hope that the child will grow up to be a wise and respected person.
Chul-Moo (철무)
Chul-Moo is a strong and masculine name that combines two hanja characters that mean "iron" and "warrior." It's often given to express the hope that the child will grow up to be strong and fearless, like a warrior.
Dae-Ho (대호)
Dae-Ho combines two hanja characters meaning "great" and "brave." It's a name that expresses the parents' hope that the child will grow up to be strong and courageous, able to overcome any obstacle.
Dae-Jung (대중)
Dae-Jung combines two hanja characters meaning "great" and "noble." It's often given to express the hope that the child will grow up to be a person of great character and integrity.
Dae-Sung (대성)
Dae-Sung combines two hanja characters meaning "great" and "success." It's often given to express the hope that the child will grow up to be successful in life, whether in their career, relationships, or personal endeavors.
Do-Won (도원)
Do-Won is a unisex name in Korea. In Korean culture, the name holds a positive connotation, meaning ‘path of virtue’.
Dong-Hyun (동현)
Dong-Hyun is composed of the Korean words for ‘east’ and ‘virtuous’, reflecting the traditional Korean values of respect for one’s elders and moral uprightness.
Eun-Ho (은호)
Eun-Ho is a unisex name in Korea. The name means ‘grace and goodness’ and reflects traditional Korean values of compassion and benevolence.
Eun-Jae (은재)
Eun-Jae means ‘graceful and talented’. The name reflects traditional Korean values of hard work and excellence.
Eun-Sang (은상)
Eun-Sang is a popular Korean name for boys, meaning ‘kindness and benevolence’.
Gyu-Jin (규진)
The name Gyu-Jin is commonly given to Korean boys. The meaning of the name is "precious."
Ha-Neul (하늘)
Ha-Neul is a popular Korean boy's name which means "sky". The name is believed to have originated from the Buddhist belief that the heavens and earth are in perfect harmony.
Han-Gyul (한결)
Han-Gyul is a Korean boy's name which means "one heart". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will have a kind and pure heart throughout their life.
Hee-Chul (희철)
Hee-Chul is a popular Korean boy's name which means "joyful iron." It is believed that the name comes from the idea that iron is a strong and durable material that brings joy and prosperity.
Hee-Joon (희준)
Hee-Joon is often given to boys who are expected to have exceptional talent and looks. The name is a combination of two Sino-Korean roots, which means talented and handsome.
Ho-Seok (호석)
Ho-Seok is a popular name in Korea, given to boys who are believed to have a bright future ahead of them. The name is often associated with success and prosperity. Jung Ho-seok, better known by his stage name J-Hope, is a member of the famous K-pop group BTS and is a notable namesake of the name.
Hong-Seok (홍석)
Hong-Seok is often given to boys born during the fall season, as the red color is associated with autumn. Lee Hong-seok is a notable namesake of the name, as he is a member of the popular K-pop group PENTAGON.
Hwan (환)
Hwan is a popular name in Korea that is often given to boys believed to have a bright and promising future. Jung Hwan is a notable namesake of the name, as he is a former South Korean professional baseball player who played for several teams in the Korea Baseball Organization.
Hyo-Seong (효성)
Hyo-Seong is often given to boys believed to be respectful and have strong values of filial piety. Park Hyo-seong, better known by his stage name Hyunseong, is a member of the K-pop group Boyfriend and is a notable namesake of the name.
Hyun-Jae (현재)
Hyun-Jae is often given to boys believed to be wise and talented. Lee Hyun-jae is a former South Korean professional footballer who played as a striker for several teams in the K-League.
Hyun-Joon (현준)
The name Hyun-Joon is often associated with good looks and exceptional talent.
Hyun-Soo (현수)
Hyun-Soo is a common Korean name that is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be intelligent and successful. The name's meaning reflects these aspirations, with "Hyun" meaning bright and "Soo" meaning intellectual.
In-Seong (인성)
In-Seong is a name that reflects the value of understanding and appreciating human nature. It is a name often given to boys with a thoughtful and empathetic personality.
Jae-Beom (재범)
Jae-Beom reflects parents' aspirations for their sons to become accomplished and successful in life. The name's meaning, "bright and accomplished," underscores this desire.
Jae-Ha (재하)
Jae-Ha is a name that symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and abundance. The name's popularity reflects the value that many Korean parents place on financial success and stability.
Jae-Hee (재희)
Jae-Hee is a name that evokes images of grace, elegance, and exceptional talent. It is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be successful performers or athletes.
Jae-Hoon (재훈)
Jae-Hoon is a popular name in Korea and is often given to boys who are expected to have a bright and respectful future.
Jae-Won (재원)
Jae-Won is a Korean name that signifies talent and ability that can reach far and wide.
Jeong-Gu (정구)
Jeong-Gu is a Korean name that means pious and righteous. The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will grow up to be virtuous and just.
Jeong-Seok (정석)
Jeong-Seok is a popular Korean name that means righteous and dependable. The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will grow up to be honest and reliable.
Ji-Ho (지호)
Ji-Ho is a popular name in South Korea, with several famous namesakes in the entertainment industry. The name has a positive meaning of wisdom and goodness.
Ji-Hoon (지훈)
Ji-Hoon is a name that conveys a sense of value and brightness.
Ji-Hwan (지환)
Ji-Hwan is a name that represents the determination and ambition of an individual.
Ji-Sung (지성)
Ji-Sung is a name that signifies intelligence and wisdom.
Jin-Ho (진호)
Jin-Ho is a name that combines the qualities of brightness and talent.
Jin-Soo (진수)
Jin-Soo is a popular Korean boy's name meaning "treasure" or "precious." The name is commonly given to boys born into families who want to convey their child's value and importance.
Jin-Woo (진우)
Jin-Woo is a popular Korean boy's name that means "genuine" or "true hero." The name is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be honorable and brave.
Joon-Ho (준호)
Joon-Ho is a Korean boy's name that means "talented and brave." The name is often given to boys who are expected to excel in their careers and lead successful lives. Many famous Koreans bear this name, including Bong Joon-Ho, the director of the movie "Parasite."
Joon-Sang (준상)
Joon-Sang is a popular Korean boy's name that means "talented and bright."
Joon-Young (준영)
Joon-Young is a Korean boy's name that means "talented and brave."
Jun-Seo (준서)
Jun-seo is a popular Korean boy name which means "handsome and clever".
Jun-Young (준영)
Jun-young is a combination of two Korean words "jun" meaning handsome and "young" meaning brave.
Kang-Min (강민)
Kang-min is a combination of two Korean words "kang" meaning strong and "min" meaning quick.
Ki-Tae (기태)
Ki-tae is a combination of two Korean words "ki" meaning brave and "tae" meaning talented.
Ki-Won (기원)
Ki-won is a combination of two Korean words "ki" meaning hope and "won" meaning aspiration.
Ki-Yong (기용)
Ki-yong is a combination of two Korean words "ki" meaning strong and "yong" meaning brave. This name is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be strong and courageous.
Kwan (관)
Kwan is a simple yet meaningful Korean name that signifies brightness and shine.
Kwon (권)
Kwon is a Korean name that denotes power and authority
Kyu-Ho (규호)
Kyu-Ho is a Korean name that is made up of two elements, "kyu" meaning standard and "ho" meaning goodness. This name signifies high moral standards and goodness.
Kyung-Hoon (경훈)
Kyung-Hoon is a Korean name that is composed of two elements, "kyung" meaning respect and "hoon" meaning culture. This name represents a person who values and respects cultural traditions.
Kyung-Soo (경수)
Kyung-Soo is known for its meaning of being respectful and obedient. It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will grow up to be well-behaved and courteous individuals.
Min-Gi (민기)
Min-Gi is a name with the meaning of "clever and quick-witted". It is a popular name in Korea and is often given to boys with the hope that they will be smart and successful in life.
Min-Ho (민호)
Min-Ho is a popular name in Korea with the meaning of "brave and heroic". It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will grow up to be strong and courageous individuals who can face any challenge.
Min-Hyuk (민혁)
Min-Hyuk is a name with the meaning of "quick and bright".
Min-Jae (민재)
Min-Jae is a name with the meaning of "quick and wise".
Min-Joon (민준)
Min-Joon is a combination of the characters "min" meaning "clever" and "jun" meaning "talented". Min-Joon Kim is a famous South Korean figure skater, while Min-Joon Seo is a professional football player in Korea.
Min-Seok (민석)
Min-Seok is a combination of the characters "min" meaning "precious" and "seok" meaning "strong".
Min-Soo (민수)
Min-Soo is a combination of the characters "min" meaning "clever" and "soo" meaning "pure".
Myung-Soo (명수)
Myung-Soo is a combination of the characters "myung" meaning "bright" and "soo" meaning "clear". Myung-Soo Park is a South Korean singer and actor, while Myung-Soo Han is a former South Korean football player who played as a midfielder for the South Korean national team.
Nam (남)
Nam is a simple and common name in Korea that means "man". Despite its simplicity, many Korean boys are named Nam. Nam Joo-Hyuk is a popular South Korean actor and model, while Nam Tae-Hyun is a South Korean singer and songwriter who was a member of the K-pop band Winner.
Seok (석)
Seok is a popular Korean name that means "rock". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will grow up to be strong and steadfast like a rock.
Seong-Jin (성진)
Seong-Jin is a Korean name that combines the characters for "refined" and "precious". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will grow up to be valuable members of society who exhibit refinement in their character and behavior.
Seong-Min (성민)
Seong-Min is a Korean name that combines the characters for "famous" and "clever". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will be successful in their chosen field and use their intelligence to make a positive impact on the world.
Seong-Su (성수)
Seong-Su is a Korean name that combines the characters for "honor" and "longevity". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will lead long and honorable lives, and be respected by those around them.
Seung-Jae (승재)
Seung-Jae is a Korean name that combines the characters for "victorious" and "talented". The name is often given to boys with the hope that they will be successful in their pursuits and achieve victory through their talents and hard work.
Seung-Joon (승준)
Seung-Joon is known for its meaning of achieving excellence or winning. Many Korean parents believe that naming their child with this name will bring them success in life.
Seung-Min (승민)
Seung-Min means "wise and quick-witted." This name is commonly given to boys because parents hope their sons will be clever and make smart decisions.
Seung-Won (승원)
Seung-Won is a Korean name that means "victorious or successful." This name is commonly given to boys in Korea with the hope that they will become successful and prosperous in life.
Shin (신)
Shin is a one-syllable Korean name that means "belief or faith." This name is often used in combination with other names to create a two-syllable name, such as Shin-woo or Shin-hye.
Si-Woo (시우)
Si-Woo is a two-syllable Korean name that means "poetic or elegant." This name is commonly given to boys in Korea with the hope that they will be artistic and creative.
Soo-Ho (수호)
Soo-Ho is a popular Korean boy name that means "defender."
Soo-Hyun (수현)
Soo-Hyun is a popular Korean boy name that means "excellent and intelligent." This name is often given to boys in the hope that they will achieve great things and be successful in life.
Soo-Jin (수진)
Soo-Jin is a popular Korean boy name that means "grace and truth." This name is often given to boys in the hope that they will be kind, honest, and well-liked.
Soo-Kyung (수경)
Soo-Kyung is a Korean boy name that means "water mirror." It is a poetic name that suggests calmness and serenity. This name is not as common as some of the other names on this list, but it is still a beautiful and meaningful choice for a baby boy.
Su-Ho (수호)
Su-Ho is a popular Korean boy name that means "defender." This name is often given to boys in the hope that they will grow up to be strong and protect their families. Su-Ho is also a common name for male characters in Korean dramas.
Sung-Gyu (성규)
Sung-Gyu is composed of two hanja characters meaning "success" and "standards". The name is often given to boys with high expectations for their future success.
Sung-Ho (성호)
Sung-Ho is a common Korean name that is composed of two hanja characters meaning "sacred" and "tiger". The name is often associated with strength and bravery.
Sung-Hoon (성훈)
Sung-Hoon is composed of two hanja characters meaning "succeed" and "intelligence". The name is often given to boys with high expectations for their future success and intellectual abilities.
Sung-Hyun (성현)
The name Sung-Hyun is a popular given name in Korea and is often chosen for its meaning related to expertise or skill.
Sung-Jae (성재)
Sung-Jae is composed of two hanja characters meaning "successful" and "talent". The name is often given to boys with high expectations for their future success and unique talents.
Sung-Min (성민)
Sung-Min is often given to boys with a strong sense of faith or belief. Lee Sung-Min is a famous singer and actor, while Kim Sung-Min is a retired footballer who played for the South Korean national team.
Tae-Gyu (태규)
Tae-Gyu is a popular name in Korea and is given to boys with aspirations of achieving greatness and success in life. Choi Tae-Gyu is a professional footballer who currently plays for the K-League club FC Seoul.
Tae-Hee (태희)
Tae-Hee is given to boys with an optimistic and joyful personality.
Tae-Ho (태호)
Tae-Ho is often given to boys who are seen as big and great in personality or stature. Lee Tae-Ho is a retired baseball player who played for the Kia Tigers in the KBO League, while Jung Tae-Ho is a professional footballer who currently plays for the K-League club Incheon United.
Tae-Hyun (태현)
Tae-Hyun is often given to boys who are intelligent and have great potential. Jang Tae-Hyun is a singer and songwriter who gained popularity after appearing on the Korean music show "Superstar K".
Tae-Jun (태준)
Tae-Jun is a combination of the words "tae" meaning "great" and "jun" meaning "handsome". Tae-Jun is a name that is often associated with success and good fortune in Korean culture.
Tae-Won (태원)
Tae-Won is a combination of the words "tae" meaning "great" and "won" meaning "first". The name is often given to boys who are expected to be leaders and pioneers in their respective fields.
U-Jin (우진)
U-Jin is a Korean name that combines the words "u" meaning "righteous" and "jin" meaning "treasure". It is a popular name given to boys who are believed to be valuable and upright. In Korean culture, the name U-Jin is often associated with nobility and virtue.
U-Ram (우람)
U-Ram is a Korean name that combines the words "u" meaning "magnanimous" and "ram" meaning "great". It is a name given to boys who are believed to have a generous and kind heart.
U-Ri (우리)
U-Ri is a unique and meaningful Korean boy's name that means "us". It is often given to boys who are believed to be a unifying force in their family or community.
Woo-Hyun (우현)
Woo-Hyun is a popular name in Korea, often given to boys who are believed to be destined for success.
Woo-Jin (우진)
Woo-Jin is a popular Korean boy name that reflects the hope that the child will be blessed with good fortune and be precious or valuable to those around him.
Woo-Sung (우성)
Woo-Sung is a popular Korean boy name that expresses the hope that the child will be blessed with divine intervention or good fortune and achieve success or victory in life.
Yeon-Seok (연석)
Yeon-Seok is a Korean boy name that combines the image of the lotus, a flower known for its beauty and purity, with the strength and resilience of a rock. The name expresses the hope that the child will grow up to be unshakable in his convictions and steadfast in his pursuit of his goals.
Yong-Ho (용호)
Yong-Ho is a Korean boy name that combines the powerful image of the dragon with the concept of greatness and majesty. The name expresses the hope that the child will grow up to be a great leader, with the strength and wisdom of the legendary dragon.