Korean Names: Order of Keywords

Korean names are traditionally written in the order of surname followed by given name. This structure reflects the importance placed on family lineage and the individual's identity within their family. While the surname usually comes first, the given name is often the most used and recognized part of a Korean person's name. Understanding the order of keywords in Korean names is crucial for accurate communication and cultural sensitivity.
1. **김 (Kim):** The most common Korean surname, often associated with the meaning "gold" or "metal." It is believed to have originated from a legendary figure named Kim Alji.
2. **박 (Park):** Another popular surname, often translated as "melon" or "gourd." It is believed to have originated from the region of Park-cheon in present-day North Korea.
3. **최 (Choi):** Signifying "best" or "excellent," this surname is associated with high expectations and aspirations. It has roots in the Silla Dynasty and is a prominent surname in South Korea.
4. **강 (Kang):** Meaning "strong" or "powerful," this surname represents resilience and determination. It is believed to have originated from the region of Kang-won in present-day South Korea.
5. **이 (Lee):** One of the most common Korean surnames, often translated as "plum" or "peach." It is linked to the legendary figure Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty.
6. **정 (Jung):** Signifying "correct" or "righteous," this surname emphasizes morality and ethical conduct. It is believed to have originated from the region of Jeong-ju in present-day North Korea.
7. **윤 (Yun):** Meaning "cloud" or "mist," this surname represents serenity and tranquility. It is believed to have originated from the region of Yun-ju in present-day South Korea.
8. **황 (Hwang):** Often translated as "yellow" or "emperor," this surname signifies royalty and leadership. It is associated with the Yellow Emperor, a legendary figure in Chinese mythology.
9. **오 (Oh):** Meaning "five" or "five virtues," this surname represents harmony and balance. It is believed to have originated from the region of Oh-chang in present-day North Korea.
10. **송 (Song):** Signifying "pine" or "pine tree," this surname represents longevity and endurance. It is believed to have originated from the region of Song-cheon in present-day North Korea.
11. **조 (Cho):** Often translated as "ancestor" or "forefather," this surname emphasizes respect for family lineage. It is believed to have originated from the region of Cho-sun in present-day North Korea.
12. **신 (Shin):** Meaning "god" or "spirit," this surname represents divinity and sacredness. It is believed to have originated from the region of Shin-ju in present-day North Korea.
13. **서 (Seo):** Signifying "west" or "western," this surname represents new beginnings and opportunities. It is believed to have originated from the region of Seo-wol in present-day North Korea.
14. **한 (Han):** Often translated as "one" or "single," this surname represents unity and wholeness. It is believed to have originated from the region of Han-seong in present-day Seoul.
15. **유 (Yoo):** Meaning "to flow" or "to move," this surname represents fluidity and adaptability. It is believed to have originated from the region of Yoo-cheon in present-day North Korea.
16. **고 (Go):** Often translated as "high" or "elevated," this surname signifies aspiration and ambition. It is believed to have originated from the region of Go-chang in present-day South Korea.
17. **안 (An):** Meaning "safe" or "secure," this surname represents peace and stability. It is believed to have originated from the region of An-ju in present-day North Korea.
18. **채 (Chae):** Signifying "color" or "hue," this surname represents beauty and vibrancy. It is believed to have originated from the region of Chae-cheon in present-day North Korea.
19. **양 (Yang):** Often translated as "sheep" or "lamb," this surname represents gentleness and compassion. It is believed to have originated from the region of Yang-ju in present-day South Korea.
20. **문 (Moon):** Meaning "gate" or "door," this surname represents opportunity and passage. It is believed to have originated from the region of Moon-cheon in present-day North Korea.
21. **김 (Kim):** This surname can also signify "golden" or "precious," reflecting the value placed on family and heritage.
22. **장 (Jang):** Often translated as "general" or "leader," this surname represents strength and authority. It is believed to have originated from the region of Jang-cheon in present-day North Korea.
23. **주 (Joo):** Meaning "master" or "lord," this surname signifies responsibility and leadership. It is believed to have originated from the region of Joo-cheon in present-day North Korea.
24. **권 (Kwon):** Signifying "authority" or "power," this surname represents influence and dominance. It is believed to have originated from the region of Kwon-cheon in present-day North Korea.
25. **임 (Im):** Often translated as "forest" or "woods," this surname represents nature and tranquility. It is believed to have originated from the region of Im-cheon in present-day North Korea.
26. **백 (Baek):** Meaning "white" or "pure," this surname represents innocence and purity. It is believed to have originated from the region of Baek-cheon in present-day North Korea.
27. **성 (Sung):** Signifying "castle" or "fortress," this surname represents protection and security. It is believed to have originated from the region of Sung-cheon in present-day North Korea.
28. **심 (Shim):** Often translated as "heart" or "mind," this surname represents emotion and intelligence. It is believed to have originated from the region of Shim-cheon in present-day North Korea.
29. **이 (Lee):** This surname can also signify "plum" or "peach blossom," representing beauty and elegance.
30. **박 (Park):** This surname can also signify "melon" or "gourd," representing abundance and prosperity.
31. **최 (Choi):** This surname can also signify "excellent" or "outstanding," representing excellence and achievement.
32. **강 (Kang):** This surname can also signify "strong" or "powerful," representing strength and resilience.
33. **정 (Jung):** This surname can also signify "righteous" or "upright," representing morality and integrity.
34. **윤 (Yun):** This surname can also signify "cloud" or "mist," representing serenity and peace.
35. **황 (Hwang):** This surname can also signify "yellow" or "emperor," representing royalty and leadership.
36. **오 (Oh):** This surname can also signify "five" or "five virtues," representing harmony and balance.
37. **송 (Song):** This surname can also signify "pine" or "pine tree," representing longevity and endurance.
38. **조 (Cho):** This surname can also signify "ancestor" or "forefather," representing respect for family lineage.
39. **신 (Shin):** This surname can also signify "god" or "spirit," representing divinity and sacredness.
40. **서 (Seo):** This surname can also signify "west" or "western," representing new beginnings and opportunities.