Heres a fun fact: there are no more than 250 Korea last names.
In South Korea alone, there are around 10 million people with the last name Kim.
In South Korea alone, there are around 10 million people with the last name Kim.
Bundo Kim
For context, the South Korean population is 50 million.
Why do all Koreans share the same surname?
Now, there are more than 130 Korean names that have descended from China.
Korea was once divided into kingdoms.
The earliest one, Shilla (9 B.C.
to 935 A.D.) was founded and ruled by a Kim clan.
So evidently, that name became royal and noble.
Kim is the most common Korean surname because there are over 600 different Kim clans.
More than likely, thats a generational name.
For much of Korean history, only the elite was allowed surnames, not commoners.
Years and years later, the commoners were finally given the privilege to have a surname.
They chose Kim or Lee because it was the noblest.
When it comes to marriage and taking names, things are a little confusing.
Korean women are not supposed to take their husbands surname when they get married to them.
However, the children she has with her husband must take the fathers surname.
Korean Language History & How-To
Its hard to really know and understand the origin of Korean.
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters that are used.
Although Hanja isnt necessary to learn Korean, it can be helpful.
Both personal names are considered to be first names.
Lee/Li(Hangul: )
This name means plum or plum tree.
Park(Hangul: )
This surname means bottle gourd.
Choi(Hangul: )
This last name means mountain or pinnacle.
Jeong(Hangul: )
This surname means broad concept of positive emotions.
Kang(Hangul: )
This Korean surname means river.
Yoon(Hangul: )
This last name means eldest.
Jang(Hangul: )
This last name means chief.
Shin(Hangul: )
This Korean surname means God or gods.
Gwan(Hangul: )
This family name means pipe.
Man(Hangul: )
This Korean surname means just or only.
Bu(Hangul: )
This last name means wealth or fortune.
An(Hangul: )
This surname means interior or within.
Han(Hangul: )
This last name refers to the ancient state of Han.
Yoo(Hangul: )
This last name means willow tree.
Mok(Hangul: )
This Korean surname means neck.
Cho(Hangul: )
This surname means candle or beginning.
Sun(Hangul: )
This surname means net.
Bin(Hangul: )
The meaning of this last name is empty or void.
Mae(Hangul: )
The meaning of this last name is hawk or falcon.
Dang(Hangul: )
The meaning of this last name is party or sugar.
Popular Korean Baby Names
Curious about the popular given names inNorth and South Korea?
Or maybe the popular names in Seoul, specifically?
Ha-joon(Hangul: )
This name means summer.
Sung(Hangul: )
This name means successor.
Ji-woo(Hangul: )
This name means purpose or universe.
Chang(Hangul: )
This name means bright.
Seo-yeon(Hangul: )
This name means beautiful or graceful.
Sang-wook(Hangul: )
This name means good health.
Su(Hangul: )
This name means long life.
Jungkook(Hangul: )
This name means from a great country.
Yeong(Hangul: )
This name means flower or brave.
Korean Family Names FAQ:
How many Korean speakers are there?
Kugo, most commonly known as Korean, is the language of the Korean Peninsula in Asia.
In China, there are about 2 million Korean speakers and in the United States, way over 600,000.
Do Koreans have middle names?
No, thats not typically followed in Korea.
What is the Korean culture like, communication-wise?
Most South Koreans communicate indirectly, relying on posture, gestures, and expression.
Its to maintain harmony through the conversation.
Is it easy to learn Korean?
Its not easy, but it is possible.
