Korean Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you interested in exploring the fascinating world of Korean last names? This comprehensive guide will delve into the diverse range of surnames found in Korea, providing a detailed explanation of their origins and meanings. From the most common to less prevalent names, we'll uncover the rich history and cultural significance embedded within each Korean last name.
1. Kim (김): Gold, metal, the precious; strong, brave, noble
2. Lee (이): Plum tree; elegance, refinement, grace
3. Park (박): Gourd, melon; simple, honest, humble
4. Choi (최): Best, excellent, superior; outstanding, exceptional
5. Jeong (정): Correct, right, upright; honest, righteous, virtuous
6. Kang (강): River, strong; powerful, resolute, determined
7. Yoo (유): Flowing, graceful, elegant; gentle, kind, compassionate
8. Yoon (윤): Shine, brilliance; bright, intelligent, perceptive
9. Yang (양): Sheep, lamb; gentle, peaceful, kind
10. Seo (서): West, direction; clear, bright, intelligent
11. Han (한): Cold, frigid; strong, powerful, resolute
12. Moon (문): Gate, door; opportunity, chance, passage
13. Kim (김): Gold, metal; strong, brave, noble
14. Lee (이): Plum tree; elegance, refinement, grace
15. Park (박): Gourd, melon; simple, honest, humble
16. Choi (최): Best, excellent, superior; outstanding, exceptional
17. Jeong (정): Correct, right, upright; honest, righteous, virtuous
18. Kang (강): River, strong; powerful, resolute, determined
19. Yoo (유): Flowing, graceful, elegant; gentle, kind, compassionate
20. Yoon (윤): Shine, brilliance; bright, intelligent, perceptive
21. Yang (양): Sheep, lamb; gentle, peaceful, kind
22. Seo (서): West, direction; clear, bright, intelligent
23. Han (한): Cold, frigid; strong, powerful, resolute
24. Moon (문): Gate, door; opportunity, chance, passage
25. Cho (조): Bird, avian; free, independent, spirited
26. Oh (오): Five, number; complete, perfect, whole
27. Shin (신): God, deity; divine, sacred, holy
28. Kwon (권): Authority, power; influential, commanding, strong
29. Baek (백): White, pure; innocent, clean, virtuous
30. Son (손): Hand, arm; skillful, capable, dexterous
31. Jang (장): General, leader; brave, courageous, bold
32. Jo (조): Ancestor, forefather; honorable, respected, dignified
33. Na (나): I, me; individual, unique, self-sufficient
34. Go (고): High, noble; lofty, elevated, prestigious
35. Kim (김): Gold, metal; strong, brave, noble
36. Lee (이): Plum tree; elegance, refinement, grace
37. Park (박): Gourd, melon; simple, honest, humble
38. Choi (최): Best, excellent, superior; outstanding, exceptional
39. Jeong (정): Correct, right, upright; honest, righteous, virtuous
40. Kang (강): River, strong; powerful, resolute, determined
41. Yoo (유): Flowing, graceful, elegant; gentle, kind, compassionate
42. Yoon (윤): Shine, brilliance; bright, intelligent, perceptive
43. Yang (양): Sheep, lamb; gentle, peaceful, kind
44. Seo (서): West, direction; clear, bright, intelligent
45. Han (한): Cold, frigid; strong, powerful, resolute
46. Moon (문): Gate, door; opportunity, chance, passage
47. Cho (조): Bird, avian; free, independent, spirited
48. Oh (오): Five, number; complete, perfect, whole
49. Shin (신): God, deity; divine, sacred, holy
50. Kwon (권): Authority, power; influential, commanding, strong
51. Baek (백): White, pure; innocent, clean, virtuous
52. Son (손): Hand, arm; skillful, capable, dexterous
53. Jang (장): General, leader; brave, courageous, bold
54. Jo (조): Ancestor, forefather; honorable, respected, dignified
55. Na (나): I, me; individual, unique, self-sufficient
56. Go (고): High, noble; lofty, elevated, prestigious