Korean boy names are rich with meaning, history, and heart.
From naming a baby to choosing a name for a story character, these names offer both beauty and depth.
Many have two syllables and convey strength, peace, love, or nature; some evoke a timeless feel, while others seem refreshingly modern.
This list shares names, each with its English meaning, to help guide your choice.
The names are easy to pronounce and rich in cultural significance.
Looking for something classic, unique, or deeply meaningful?
There’s something here for everyone.
It’s a thoughtful way to find the name that feels just right for your little one.
Traditional Korean Boy Names
Traditional Korean names are composed of syllables that reflect strength, wisdom, and good character.
They remain popular for their deep meaning and cultural roots.
Names Meaning Strength and Power
These names reflect a wish for boys to grow strong and brave.
In Korean culture, strength encompasses both courage and a caring attitude towards others.
- Kang-min (강민) – Strong and clever
- Joon-ho (준호) – Talented and great
- Tae-yang (태양) – Like the sun
- Min-jun (민준) – Quick-minded and talented
- Hyun-woo (현우) – Wise and friendly
- Sang-hoon (상훈) – Always helping others
- Dong-wook (동욱) – Eastern light
- Woo-jin (우진) – Divine and precious
- Seung-hwan (승환) – Victory and brightness
- Ki-tae (기태) – Rising and great
Names with Nature Meanings
In Korean culture, names carry profound significance and reflect values that families hold dear.
These names blend traditional wisdom with timeless appeal, representing qualities like strength, intelligence, and noble character.
- Ji-hoon (지훈) – Wisdom and teaching
- Hae-sung (해성) – Ocean star
- Chan-woo (찬우) – Praising rain
- Byung-ho (병호) – Bright tiger
- In-su (인수) – Human and water
- Jae-sung (재성) – Talented star
- Moon-ho (문호) – Learned and great
- Seok-jin (석진) – Stone and precious
- Young-soo (영수) – Forever and guardian
- Dae-hyun (대현) – Great and wise
Modern Popular Korean Boy Names
Korean naming trends change over time, just like fashion or music.
Today’s parents often choose names that sound fresh and modern while still having meaningful origins.
These names became popular due to Korean celebrities, K-pop stars, and beloved characters from Korean dramas.
Trending Names from Recent Years
These names are very popular with today’s Korean parents.
They reflect modern hopes and are often shorter and easier to say than older names.
- Seo-jun (서준) – Lucky and talented
- Do-yun (도윤) – Path and allow
- Ye-jun (예준) – Art and talented
- Si-woo (시우) – Beginning and help
- Joo-won (주원) – Master and first
- Ha-jun (하준) – Summer and talented
- Gun-woo (건우) – Build and protect
- Yeon-jun (연준) – Connection and talented
- Min-ho (민호) – Quick and good
- Eun-woo (은우) – Silver and help
Names Popular in Korean Entertainment
K-pop culture has reached fans worldwide.
Many people love names they hear in K-pop, dramas, and movies.
These names often come from favorite stars or characters, making them feel fun and familiar.
- Tae-hyung (태형) – Great and type
- Jun-kook (정국) – Correct country
- Jin-woo (진우) – Truth and help
- Woo-shik (우식) – Help and plant
- Soo-ho (수호) – Guardian and protector
- Jong-suk (종석) – Bell and stone
- Hyun-bin (현빈) – Wise and refined
- Min-ki (민기) – Quick and rise
- Seung-gi (승기) – Victory and rise
- Jae-wook (재욱) – Talent and sunrise
Names Based on Virtues and Character
Korean parents often choose names that represent the kind of person they aspire for their child to become.
These names emphasize inner qualities such as kindness, wisdom, honesty, and peace.
In Korean culture, good character is valued more than wealth or fame, so these names reflect family values.
Names Meaning Wisdom and Intelligence
Learning is fundamental in Korean culture.
Parents choose these names, hoping their sons will grow up to be wise, intelligent, and kind.
These names often reflect wisdom and good judgment.
- Ji-sung (지성) – Wisdom and sincerity
- Hak-soo (학수) – Learning and long life
- Myung-ho (명호) – Bright and great
- Sung-min (성민) – Success and clever
- Kwang-soo (광수) – Light and long life
- Jae-hyun (재현) – Talent and wisdom
- Chang-min (창민) – Prosperous and clever
- Hoon-min (훈민) – Teaching and people
- Seung-jae (승재) – Victory and talent
- Dong-hyun (동현) – East and wise
Names Meaning Kindness and Peace
These names show a wish for boys to be kind, gentle, and peaceful.
They reflect a hope for a calm and caring spirit.
- Jin-ho (진호) – Truth and goodness
- Sun-woo (선우) – Good and help
- Kyung-ho (경호) – Respect and goodness
- Yoon-ho (윤호) – Allow and good
- Hye-sung (혜성) – Benefit and star
- Sang-woo (상우) – Mutual and help
- Jin-young (진영) – Truth and forever
- Seung-woo (승우) – Victory and help
- Hyun-soo (현수) – Wise and excellent
- Joon-young (준영) – Talented and brave
Names with Historical and Cultural Significance
Korea has a rich history of thousands of years, populated by great kings, scholars, poets, and heroes.
Some Korean names honor heritage by referencing historical figures, cultural concepts, or traditional values.
By choosing one of these names, you’re linking your child to the rich history of Korean civilization.
Names from Korean History
These names honor Korea’s rich history, often inspired by kings or key events.
They reflect pride in heritage and strong leadership.
- Se-jong (세종) – Great generation
- Tae-jo (태조) – Great ancestor
- Gwang-jo (광조) – Light ancestor
- Mun-jong (문종) – Culture and bell
- Suk-jong (숙종) – Pure and bell
- Yeon-san (연산) – Lotus mountain
- Jung-jo (정조) – Correct ancestor
- Gong-min (공민) – Public and people
- Ui-jong (의종) – Righteous and bell
- Hye-jong (혜종) – Wise and bell
Names from Literature and Poetry
These names are inspired by Korean literature and poetry, reflecting creativity, artistic spirit, and a love for beautiful expression.
- Si-jin (시진) – Poetry and precious
- Mun-hak (문학) – Literature and learning
- Ye-sul (예술) – Art and skill
- Chang-jak (창작) – Creation and making
- Bi-yong (비용) – Flying dragon
- Cheon-wang (천왕) – Heaven king
- Yong-su (용수) – Dragon and water
- Baek-ho (백호) – White tiger
- Cheong-ryong (청룡) – Blue dragon
- Ju-jak (주작) – Red bird
Single-Syllable Korean Boy Names
Sometimes the most powerful names are also the simplest.
Single-syllable Korean names are strong, memorable, and often building blocks for longer names.
These names convey significant meaning in a single sound, making them both practical and meaningful.
Short but Meaningful Names
Short and simple, these names are meaningful, perfect for easy pronunciation and a lasting impact.
- Jun (준) – Talented
- Min (민) – Quick-minded
- Ho (호) – Good, great
- Woo (우) – Help, friend
- Jin (진) – Truth, precious
- Sung (성) – Success, star
- Hyun (현) – Wise, virtuous
- Jae (재) – Talent, wealth
- Soo (수) – Long life, water
- Young (영) – Forever, brave
Names Often Used as Building Blocks
These syllables often form part of longer names.
Knowing them helps you understand the meaning and structure of Korean names.
- Ki (기) – Rise, energy
- Tae (태) – Great, big
- Seung (승) – Victory, rise
- Dong (동) – East, winter
- Sang (상) – Mutual, reward
- Kwan (관) – View, crown
- Yong (용) – Dragon, brave
- Cheol (철) – Iron, wise
- Hwan (환) – Bright, joyful
- Kyung (경) – Respect, scenery
Regional and Unique Korean Boy Names
Korea has distinct regions, each with its unique local culture and sometimes its own naming conventions.
Famous places inspire some names in Korea, while others are one-of-a-kind creations that break away from traditional patterns.
These names offer something different for parents who want their child’s name to stand out.
Names from Different Korean Regions
These names come from Korean places and landscapes.
They’re great for honoring family roots or showcasing Korea’s beauty.
- Busan-ho (부산호) – Mountain help
- Gang-won (강원) – River first
- Jeon-ju (전주) – Complete master
- Gyeong-ju (경주) – Respect master
- In-cheon (인천) – Kind thousand
- Dae-gu (대구) – Great phrase
- Ul-san (울산) – Fence mountain
- Suwon-ho (수원호) – Water source
- Seong-nam (성남) – Castle south
- Cheon-an (천안) – Thousand peace
Unique Modern Combinations
These names are creative and unique, blending Korean roots with a modern twist for something truly original.
- Haneul (하늘) – Sky, heaven
- Baram (바람) – Wind, wish
- Nuri (누리) – World, universe
- Iseul (이슬) – Dew
- Ara (아라) – Know, beautiful
- Karam (가람) – River
- Narae (나래) – Wing
- Sarang (사랑) – Love
- Hanbit (한빛) – Great light
- Mirae (미래) – Future
Names Inspired by Nature Elements
Nature has always played a central role in Korean culture and philosophy.
These names celebrate the beauty and power of nature, from the sky above to the ground below.
Parents who choose nature names hope their children will appreciate the environment and the peace nature provides.
Sky and Weather Names
Inspired by the sky and weather, these names reflect freedom, beauty, and a love for adventure.
- Haneul-ho (하늘호) – Sky goodness
- Gurum (구름) – Cloud
- Bitsori (빗소리) – Sound of rain
- Haetsal (햇살) – Sunlight
- Byeolbit (별빛) – Starlight
- Dalbit (달빛) – Moonlight
- Noeur (노을) – Sunset glow
- Ssangmu (쌍무) – Double dance
- Cheonsa (천사) – Angel
- Punggyeong (풍경) – Scenery
Mountain and Earth Names
These mountain-inspired names reflect strength, stability, and a deep connection to Korea’s enduring natural beauty.
- San-ho (산호) – Mountain goodness
- Bawi (바위) – Rock, stone
- Kkot-nim (꽃님) – Flower lord
- Sup (숲) – Forest
- Deul (들) – Field, plain
- Ganghwa (강화) – River flower
- Seoksan (석산) – Stone mountain
- Namsan (남산) – South mountain
- Dongsan (동산) – East mountain
- Buksan (북산) – North mountain
Names Reflecting Hopes and Dreams
When parents select a name, they often express their deepest hopes for their child’s future.
These names embody the dreams of Korean families for their sons: success, health, happiness, and a meaningful life.
Names for Success and Prosperity
These names reflect the hope for a life of purpose, achievement, and making a meaningful impact.
- Seong-gong (성공) – Success
- Bu-ja (부자) – Wealthy person
- Myeong-ye (명예) – Honor, fame
- Seung-li (승리) – Victory
- Bal-jeon (발전) – Development
- Jin-bo (진보) – Progress
- Hye-taek (혜택) – Benefit
- I-ik (이익) – Profit, benefit
- Seong-gwa (성과) – Achievement
- Mok-pyo (목표) – Goal, target
Names for Health and Long Life
These names show a parent’s wish for their child to live a long, healthy, and joyful life.
- Geon-gang (건강) – Health
- Jang-su (장수) – Long life
- Pyeong-an (평안) – Peace and safety
- An-nyeong (안녕) – Peace, hello
- Haeng-bok (행복) – Happiness
- Gi-ppeum (기쁨) – Joy
- Hee-mang (희망) – Hope
- Kkum (꿈) – Dream
- So-won (소원) – Wish
- Gi-won (기원) – Prayer, wish
Contemporary Korean Boy Names
The latest generation of Korean names reflects the evolution of Korean culture in the contemporary world.
These names reflect global trends, new Korean words, or creative combinations.
They embody the Korea of today and tomorrow.
Names Popular in the 2020s
These trending names are short, modern, and easy to say, yet still carry strong Korean meaning and style.
- A-rin (아린) – Beautiful and wise
- Eo-jin (어진) – Kind and wise
- Han-gyeol (한결) – Consistent
- I-jun (이준) – This talented
- U-jin (우진) – Right and precious
- Ye-chan (예찬) – Art and praise
- Jun-seo (준서) – Talented and lucky
- Shi-on (시온) – Sound and warmth
- Ha-ram (하람) – Sky hope
- Da-on (다온) – All warmth
Names from K-pop and Korean Entertainment
K-pop and K-drama stars have made these names popular.
They’re trendy, global, and still deeply rooted in Korean culture.
- Jin-wook (진욱) – Truth and Sunrise
- Tae-min (태민) – Great and quick
- Jong-hyun (종현) – Bell and wise
- Key (키) – Height, key
- Onew (온유) – Gentle and kind
- Bo-gum (보검) – Precious Sword
- Joo-hyuk (주혁) – Pillar and Radiance
- Dae-sung (대성) – Great success
- Seung-ri (승리) – Victory
- G-Dragon (지드래곤) – G-Dragon
Rare and Poetic Korean Boy Names
For parents seeking rare and poetic names, these options provide beauty and significance without being common.
Some are rare traditional names, while others are unique combinations that few have discovered.
Less Common but Beautiful Names
These rare names are meaningful and uncommon, ideal for parents seeking uniqueness while honoring Korean tradition.
- Bit-na (빛나) – Shine bright
- Cho-rok (초록) – Green
- Hwa-rang (화랑) – Flower knight
- Mu-yeong (무영) – No shadow
- Ppuri (뿌리) – Root
- Sae-byeok (새벽) – Dawn
- Ttul-gi (뜰기) – Garden rise
- Wol-bit (월빛) – Moonlight
- Yu-dal (유달) – Special moon
- Jeo-nyeok (저녁) – Evening
Names with Poetic Meanings
These poetic names evoke nature and emotion, providing beauty and meaning in a few gentle syllables.
- Bom-bit (봄빛) – Spring light
- Ga-eul (가을) – Autumn
- Gyeo-ul (겨울) – Winter
- Yeo-reum (여름) – Summer
- Kkot-pi (꽃피) – Flower bloom
- Mul-gyeol (물결) – Water wave
- Nun-bit (눈빛) – Eye light
- Ot-git (옷깃) – Collar
- Pul-ip (풀잎) – Grass leaf
- Sae-sol (새솔) – New pine
Final Special Names
These final ten names stand out for their unique beauty and deep meaning, showcasing the creativity behind Korean naming traditions.
- Chae-won (채원) – Colorful garden
- Eun-sung (은성) – Silver star
- Gyu-ri (규리) – Standard beautiful
- Hwa-young (화영) – Flower forever
- In-gyu (인규) – Human standard
- Joon-ki (준기) – Talented and rising
- Kyung-soo (경수) – Respect and long life
- Liu-han (류한) – Flowing cold
- Myung-jun (명준) – Bright and talented
Wrapping It Up
Korean boy names beautifully blend tradition with modern meaning.
Each name carries hopes, values, and deep cultural roots.
Whether traditional or unique, every choice tells a story.
Naming is a powerful gift, one filled with love and purpose.
This list offers inspiration for names that feel meaningful and timeless.
Choose with your heart, and the name will speak for itself.
Loved these names, check outour other blogs for beautiful name lists, meaningful inspirations, and timeless ideas to guide your journey
