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

This article provides a comprehensive list of common Korean last names, also known as surnames. We'll delve into the origins and meanings behind these names, offering insights into the rich cultural history and traditions embedded in Korean surnames. Whether you're interested in genealogy, language studies, or simply curious about Korean names, this guide will equip you with a deeper understanding of this vital part of Korean identity.
1. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, a precious thing, noble, distinguished. One of the most common Korean surnames, believed to have originated from a legendary figure who established the Kingdom of Silla.
2. **Lee (이)**: Plum tree, a type of tree known for its sweet fruit, beauty, and resilience. Another highly common surname in Korea, associated with the Joseon Dynasty.
3. **Park (박)**: Gourd, a fruit with a hard outer shell, symbolizing protection and abundance. One of the oldest Korean surnames, dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
4. **Choi (최)**: Best, excellent, superior, first, highest. A surname with a strong connotation of excellence and leadership.
5. **Jung (정)**: Loyalty, righteousness, justice, uprightness. A surname that emphasizes moral values and integrity.
6. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, resilient, river. A surname that signifies strength, determination, and perseverance.
7. **Yoo (유)**: Flow, move, travel, wander. A surname that implies a sense of fluidity and adaptability.
8. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, a peaceful and gentle creature, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. A surname that signifies kindness and compassion.
9. **Moon (문)**: Gate, door, entrance, passage. A surname that represents a gateway to new possibilities and opportunities.
10. **Kim (김)**: Metal, gold, precious, a valuable thing. An extremely common Korean surname, often associated with the founder of the Silla dynasty.
11. **Shin (신)**: New, fresh, modern, god, spirit. A surname that signifies innovation, progress, and a connection to the divine.
12. **Oh (오)**: Five, a number that represents completeness and balance. A surname that symbolizes wholeness and harmony.
13. **Han (한)**: One, single, unique, sorrow, grievance. A surname that conveys a sense of individuality and resilience.
14. **Lee (이)**: Plum tree, known for its sweet fruit, beauty, and resilience. One of the most common Korean surnames, often linked to the Joseon Dynasty.
15. **Baek (백)**: White, pure, clean, clear. A surname that signifies purity, innocence, and enlightenment.
16. **Seo (서)**: West, a direction associated with creativity and new beginnings. A surname that represents innovation and exploration.
17. **Jeon (전)**: All, entire, complete, whole, war. A surname that conveys a sense of totality and power.
18. **Cho (조)**: Bird, a symbol of freedom, flight, and hope. A surname that signifies liberation and aspiration.
19. **Heo (허)**: Empty, hollow, void, nothing. A surname that emphasizes a sense of freedom and openness.
20. **Yun (윤)**: Cloud, a symbol of change, transformation, and mystery. A surname that signifies adaptability and creativity.
21. **Na (나)**: I, me, myself, a sense of individuality. A surname that highlights a strong sense of self.
22. **Song (송)**: Pine tree, a symbol of resilience, strength, and longevity. A surname that signifies perseverance and endurance.
23. **Jeong (정)**: Loyalty, righteousness, justice, uprightness. A surname that emphasizes moral values and integrity.
24. **Go (고)**: High, lofty, noble, ancient. A surname that signifies stature and respect.
25. **Noh (노)**: Old, ancient, experienced, wise. A surname that conveys a sense of wisdom and tradition.
26. **Min (민)**: People, population, commoners. A surname that emphasizes connection to the community.
27. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, a precious thing, a symbol of wealth and nobility.
28. **Seong (성)**: Castle, fortress, a place of protection and strength. A surname that signifies security and resilience.
29. **Jeong (정)**: Loyalty, righteousness, justice, uprightness. A surname that emphasizes moral values and integrity.
30. **Hong (홍)**: Red, a color associated with passion, energy, and good luck. A surname that signifies vitality and vibrancy.
31. **Hwang (황)**: Yellow, a color associated with royalty, power, and earth. A surname that signifies leadership and influence.
32. **Yoon (윤)**: Cloud, a symbol of change, transformation, and mystery. A surname that signifies adaptability and creativity.
33. **Kim (김)**: Gold, metal, a precious thing, a symbol of wealth and nobility.
34. **Lee (이)**: Plum tree, known for its sweet fruit, beauty, and resilience. One of the most common Korean surnames, often linked to the Joseon Dynasty.
35. **Park (박)**: Gourd, a fruit with a hard outer shell, symbolizing protection and abundance. One of the oldest Korean surnames, dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period.
36. **Choi (최)**: Best, excellent, superior, first, highest. A surname with a strong connotation of excellence and leadership.
37. **Jung (정)**: Loyalty, righteousness, justice, uprightness. A surname that emphasizes moral values and integrity.
38. **Kang (강)**: Strong, powerful, resilient, river. A surname that signifies strength, determination, and perseverance.
39. **Yoo (유)**: Flow, move, travel, wander. A surname that implies a sense of fluidity and adaptability.
40. **Yang (양)**: Sheep, a peaceful and gentle creature, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. A surname that signifies kindness and compassion.