Last Korean Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name? Korean surnames, known as "seong" (성), are a rich tapestry of history and culture, offering a wide range of choices. This comprehensive guide explores the most common last Korean names, delving into their origins, meanings, and cultural significance. Whether you're curious about Korean genealogy, considering a name change, or simply seeking inspiration, this list provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Korean surnames.
1. **Kim (김):** One of the most common Korean last names, meaning "gold" or "metal." It is believed to have originated from the legendary figure, Kim Alji, who is said to have descended from a golden egg.
2. **Lee (이):** The second most common Korean surname, meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom." It is associated with longevity, beauty, and prosperity.
3. **Park (박):** The third most common Korean surname, meaning "gourd." It is often linked to the gourd's association with abundance and good fortune.
4. **Choi (최):** Meaning "best" or "excellent," this surname signifies hope and ambition.
5. **Jung (정):** Meaning "uprightness" or "righteousness," this surname emphasizes moral integrity and ethical conduct.
6. **Kang (강):** Meaning "strong" or "powerful," this surname symbolizes resilience and strength of character.
7. **Yoo (유):** Meaning "flowing" or "abundant," this surname is associated with good luck, prosperity, and continuous flow.
8. **Shin (신):** Meaning "new" or "fresh," this surname embodies innovation, growth, and a forward-thinking spirit.
9. **Oh (오):** Meaning "five" or "the number five," this surname is associated with harmony, balance, and completeness.
10. **Seo (서):** Meaning "west," this surname evokes a sense of direction, exploration, and new beginnings.
11. **Yun (윤):** Meaning "cloud" or "mist," this surname represents mystery, transcendence, and a sense of wonder.
12. **Byun (변):** Meaning "change" or "transformation," this surname embraces adaptability, evolution, and growth.
13. **Nam (남):** Meaning "south," this surname symbolizes warmth, prosperity, and abundance.
14. **Hwang (황):** Meaning "yellow" or "golden," this surname is associated with royalty, wealth, and prestige.
15. **Jeon (전):** Meaning "all" or "entire," this surname represents completeness, wholeness, and encompassing nature.
16. **Song (송):** Meaning "pine tree," this surname symbolizes longevity, resilience, and strength.
17. **Han (한):** Meaning "one" or "single," this surname evokes a sense of unity, individuality, and focus.
18. **Cho (조):** Meaning "ancestor" or "forefather," this surname emphasizes respect for tradition and lineage.
19. **Baek (백):** Meaning "white" or "pure," this surname represents purity, innocence, and clarity.
20. **Kim (김):** A variation of the name "Kim," meaning "gold" or "metal."
21. **Lee (이):** A variation of the name "Lee," meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom."
22. **Park (박):** A variation of the name "Park," meaning "gourd."
23. **Choi (최):** A variation of the name "Choi," meaning "best" or "excellent."
24. **Jung (정):** A variation of the name "Jung," meaning "uprightness" or "righteousness."
25. **Kang (강):** A variation of the name "Kang," meaning "strong" or "powerful."
26. **Yoo (유):** A variation of the name "Yoo," meaning "flowing" or "abundant."
27. **Shin (신):** A variation of the name "Shin," meaning "new" or "fresh."
28. **Oh (오):** A variation of the name "Oh," meaning "five" or "the number five."
29. **Seo (서):** A variation of the name "Seo," meaning "west."
30. **Yun (윤):** A variation of the name "Yun," meaning "cloud" or "mist."
31. **Byun (변):** A variation of the name "Byun," meaning "change" or "transformation."
32. **Nam (남):** A variation of the name "Nam," meaning "south."
33. **Hwang (황):** A variation of the name "Hwang," meaning "yellow" or "golden."
34. **Jeon (전):** A variation of the name "Jeon," meaning "all" or "entire."
35. **Song (송):** A variation of the name "Song," meaning "pine tree."
36. **Han (한):** A variation of the name "Han," meaning "one" or "single."
37. **Cho (조):** A variation of the name "Cho," meaning "ancestor" or "forefather."
38. **Baek (백):** A variation of the name "Baek," meaning "white" or "pure."
39. **Kim (김):** Another variation of the name "Kim," meaning "gold" or "metal."
40. **Lee (이):** Another variation of the name "Lee," meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom."