Korean Last Names and Their Meanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the origins and significance of Korean last names? This comprehensive guide delves into the rich history and meaning behind some of the most common Korean surnames. Korean last names, or "seong," are an integral part of Korean identity and culture. They often reflect ancestral lineage, geographical origins, or even desirable traits. Explore the diverse meanings behind these names and discover the stories they tell.
1. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a place name related to a mountain. It is the most common Korean last name, representing a significant portion of the Korean population.
2. **Lee (이)**: Plum tree, plum blossom, or a place name related to a village. It is the second most common Korean last name, reflecting its widespread presence throughout history.
3. **Park (박)**: Melon, gourd, or a place name related to a field. It is the third most common Korean last name, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
4. **Choi (최)**: Best, supreme, or a place name related to a high peak. It signifies excellence and leadership.
5. **Jung (정)**: Correct, righteous, or a place name related to a capital city. It embodies principles of justice and integrity.
6. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, or a place name related to a river. It represents strength and resilience.
7. **Yoo (유)**: Flowing water, smooth, or a place name related to a river. It signifies calmness and grace.
8. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, or a place name related to a mountain pass. It represents beginnings and innovation.
9. **Go (고)**: High, lofty, or a place name related to a mountain. It symbolizes ambition and aspirations.
10. **Oh (오)**: Five, or a place name related to a region. It represents completeness and harmony.
11. **Yoon (윤)**: Gentle, smooth, or a place name related to a hill. It embodies kindness and diplomacy.
12. **Byun (변)**: Change, transformation, or a place name related to a frontier. It signifies adaptability and progress.
13. **Nam (남)**: South, or a place name related to a southern region. It represents warmth and prosperity.
14. **Seo (서)**: West, or a place name related to a western region. It signifies peace and tranquility.
15. **Jeon (전)**: All, complete, or a place name related to a field. It represents unity and wholeness.
16. **Moon (문)**: Door, gate, or a place name related to a passage. It signifies opportunity and access.
17. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a place name related to a mountain. It is the most common Korean last name, representing a significant portion of the Korean population.
18. **Han (한)**: One, single, or a place name related to a river. It represents unity and individuality.
19. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, goat, or a place name related to a field. It symbolizes kindness and compassion.
20. **Cho (조)**: Bird, or a place name related to a village. It represents freedom and inspiration.
21. **Baek (백)**: White, pure, or a place name related to a mountain. It signifies purity and innocence.
22. **Lee (이)**: Plum tree, plum blossom, or a place name related to a village. It is the second most common Korean last name, reflecting its widespread presence throughout history.
23. **Son (손)**: Hand, or a place name related to a mountain pass. It represents skill and dexterity.
24. **Jeong (정)**: Correct, righteous, or a place name related to a capital city. It embodies principles of justice and integrity.
25. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, or a place name related to a mountain. It is the most common Korean last name, representing a significant portion of the Korean population.
26. **Hong (홍)**: Red, or a place name related to a valley. It signifies passion and energy.
27. **Yoon (윤)**: Gentle, smooth, or a place name related to a hill. It embodies kindness and diplomacy.
28. **Oh (오)**: Five, or a place name related to a region. It represents completeness and harmony.
29. **Park (박)**: Melon, gourd, or a place name related to a field. It is the third most common Korean last name, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
30. **Choi (최)**: Best, supreme, or a place name related to a high peak. It signifies excellence and leadership.
31. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, or a place name related to a river. It represents strength and resilience.
32. **Yoo (유)**: Flowing water, smooth, or a place name related to a river. It signifies calmness and grace.
33. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, or a place name related to a mountain pass. It represents beginnings and innovation.
34. **Go (고)**: High, lofty, or a place name related to a mountain. It symbolizes ambition and aspirations.
35. **Byun (변)**: Change, transformation, or a place name related to a frontier. It signifies adaptability and progress.
36. **Nam (남)**: South, or a place name related to a southern region. It represents warmth and prosperity.
37. **Seo (서)**: West, or a place name related to a western region. It signifies peace and tranquility.
38. **Jeon (전)**: All, complete, or a place name related to a field. It represents unity and wholeness.
39. **Moon (문)**: Door, gate, or a place name related to a passage. It signifies opportunity and access.
40. **Han (한)**: One, single, or a place name related to a river. It represents unity and individuality.