120 Best Korean Last Names or Surnames

Surnames keep a person connected to the families who came before us. Korean last names offer a great insight into the distinguishing features of a family, their occupations or the places they have lived. Most of the Korean family names are derived from a single syllable, which often depends on the parent’s generation. Throughout North and South Korea, the generation level and surname come before a person’s first name. The most common Korean last names are Kim, Lee, and Park, which collectively make up almost half of the Korean people. Nowadays, the new generation is also looking for uncommon Korean last names, and we have also listed those below.

History of Korean Last Names

Korean last names have a rich history dating back centuries, initially serving to denote clan or family lineage. As Korea endured various dynasties and invasions, the significance of last names evolved, gaining additional meanings. The Goryeo Dynasty saw the widespread adoption of fixed surnames, particularly among the ruling class, known as the Yangban, to assert social status. This practice later extended to the common people during the Joseon era, leading to a surge in the variety of last names within Korean society. Furthermore, during the Japanese colonisation period, Koreans were compelled to adopt last names, a practice that was enforced nationwide.

Common Korean Surnames

Korea has a population of more than 50 million, and a lot of people share some common Korean family names. Here’s a list of some common Korean last names, along with their meanings.

1. An

An is a common surname in Korea which means ‘within’ or ‘back’.

2. Bak

Bak is a popular surname which means ‘gourd’.

3. Chai

This surname was derived from China, and it means ‘firewood’.

4. Chang

Chang is another popular Chinese origin word, and it means ‘prosperous’ or ‘flourishing’.

5. Chi

Chi is a famous name which refers to a ‘limb’ or ‘a branch’.

6. Chin

Chin surname is derived from the word ‘Chen’ which means ‘ancient’.

7. Cho

Cho was a famous city name in Shanxi province, and it was used as a family name.

8. Choi

This surname is a Korean word which means ‘high tower or lofty’.

9. Chong

This surname is an occupational last name that originated from people who were involved in ‘bow-making’.

10. Hong

Hong is a China originated word which means ‘great’.

11. Hwang

Hwang is of Chinese origin, and it means ‘yellow’.

12. Hyun

Hyun is a unique Korean surname which means ‘profound’ or ‘mysterious’.

13. Jin

This word is a China originated word which means ‘gold’.

14. Ju

Ju is a Korean surname which refers to ‘circumference’.

15. Kwan

Kwan is a Korean variant of word ‘Guan’, and it means ‘border pass’.

16. Kwock

Kwock is another variant of surname Kwack, and refers to ‘a surrounding area’.

17. Kwon

Kwon is a unique surname which is used in Korea. It refers to ‘power’ or ‘authority’.

18. Lim

Lim is a Korean last name, a variant of ‘Im’. The surname means ‘dependable’.

19. Mun

Mun surname is the other variant of the name Moon. It also means ‘culture’.

20. Myung

Myung means “bright” or “brilliant,” symbolizing clarity, wisdom, or fame.

21. Ok

Ok is the spelling variant of words ‘Oak’ or ‘Ock’ that means ‘Oaktree’.

22. Paek

Paek is a variant of Baik or Paik, and it refers to white colour.

23. Park

Park is another variant of the word ‘Bak’ which means ‘Simple’.

24. Pu

Pu is also a variant of the word ‘Bak’ means ‘Simple’.

25. Roh

This name comes from a Chinese word which means ‘a musical note’.

26. Suh

Suh is derived from the variant ‘So’, which was the family name of traditional emperors of Cholla South province.

27. Suk

Suk means “stone” or “ancient,” reflecting strength, stability, or heritage.

28. Sun

Sun refers to ‘grandchild’ or ‘descendant’.

29. Sung

Sung is a variant of the name ‘Song’, which comes from the Song dynasty.

30. Song

Song came into existence from the Song dynasty.

31. Yee

Yee refers to ‘a plum tree’, and it is a variant of the name ‘Lee’ or ‘Li’.

32. Ye

Ye is a Korean family name with a Chinese origin. It means ‘leaf’.

33. Yeon

Yeon is a variant of the word ‘Juan’, and it means ‘beautiful’ or ‘graceful’.

34. Yoon

Yoon is a Korean surname that signifies “eldest” or “governor,” often associated with leadership.

Popular Korean Surnames

Besides the common ones, here are some popular Korean last names that enjoy huge popularity among people. These surnames are held by several celebrities and famous artists in Korea.

1. Baek

This Korean last name refers to the colour white.

2. Bang

This word is derived from a Korean word that means ‘room’.

3. Cheong

This surname means ‘gentle or quiet’.

4. Chew

This surname was derived from the state of Zhu. Chew was the family name of the emperors during the Ming Dynasty.

5. Chu

This comes from the Chinese word ‘Zhu’, which has two different meanings. It is referred to as a toponymic last name, corresponding to the name of the ancient state of Zhu. The name also means ‘vermilion red’.

6. Goo

Goo is a variant of the Korean surname ‘Ku’ or ‘Gu’ that means a ‘tool’ or ‘utensil’.

7. Hahm

Hahm is a Korean word for the West, which means ‘weighing scales seller’.

8. Ham

The surname Ham belongs to the Ham clan, which was founded by a Koryŏ general who fought against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century.

9. Jee

Jee is derived from the word ‘Zhi’, and it means ‘will’ or ‘ambition’.

10. Jeon

Jeon is a common Korean last name meaning ‘field’.

11. Jue

Jue refers to ‘vermilion red’ or ‘cinnabar’.

12. Jun

Jun is a famous surname derived from the Chinese Character, and means ‘talented’ or ‘handsome’.

13. Jung

Jung surname is derived from the name of an ancient state called ‘Zheng’.

14. Kang

Kang surname refers to ‘ginger’.

15. Keng

Keng surname is derived from the word ‘Jiang’, and it means ‘ginger’.

16. Ki

Ki is a short surname derived from China, and it means ‘tree’ or ‘wood’.

17. Kil

Kil surname is derived from a Chinese word that refers to ‘cool’.

18. Kim

Kim is one of the popular surnames in Korea, and it means ‘gold’.

19. Ko

Ko was the family name of Ko dynasty descendants.

20. Kong

This is a Chinese originated word which means ’empty’, ‘hollow’ or ‘sky’.

21. Ku

Ku is a simple surname which means ‘tool’ or ‘utensil’.

22. Kuk

It comes from a Chinese originated word which means ‘Country’.

23. Mok

Mok is derived from China, and this surname means ‘screen’ or ‘curtain’.

24. Mong

Mong is another unique Korean surname which means ‘suffer’ or ‘ignorance’.

25. Nahm

Nahm is another famous Korean surname that refers to ‘south’.

26. Nam

Nam is a Korean last name meaning ‘South’.

27. Pak

Pak word is a Sino-Korean word, which means ‘plain’ or ‘unadorned’.

28. Pan

Pan means ‘water in which the rice was rinsed’.

29. Reeh

Reeh refers to the ‘plum tree’.

30. Ryu

Ryu is the Korean word that originated from the Chinese word ‘Yu’, and it means a ‘willow tree’.

31. Sa

The surname Sa originated from a family of emperors belonging to Kyongsang South Province’s Kochang County in AD 918-1392.

32. Seo

Seo surname is a Sino-Korean word, and it means ‘calm’ or ‘poised’.

33. Sin

This last name came into existence from the ancient state of the Xia dynasty.

34. So

So was the family name of the traditional emperors of Cholla South province.

35. Son

This name has a Chinese origin, and it means ‘mountain’.

36. Toh

Toh is a Chinese word which means ‘stop’ or ‘prevent’.

37. Whang

Whang is a variant of the term ‘Hwang’. It means ‘yellow’.

Rare Korean Surnames

There are some least-known and rare and uncommon Korean last names that now have fewer than 150 people in families. Check them out!

1. Chun

Chun is a rarely used surname derived from a word which means ‘field’.

2. Heo

Heo is an uncommon surname. It means ‘advocate’ or ‘to permit’.

3. Joh

Joh is an uncommon last name derived from an ancient city in Shanxi province.

4. Om

The family name Om from Korea is not very common. The meaning of it is unexplained.

5. Tan

Tan means ‘an exhibit’ or ‘display’.

6. Tang

Tang surname derived from the ruler of the Tang Dynasty.

7. You

This is a Chinese-originated word, which means ‘reason’ or ‘cause’.

8. Yun

This last name comes from a Sino-Korean word which means ‘to govern’ or ‘to oversee’.

Cute & Pretty Korean Last Names

Cute and pretty Korean last names often carry charming meanings, reflecting beauty, grace, and positive attributes. These surnames are cherished for their pleasing sounds and the delightful qualities they represent.

1. Ahn

Ahn means ‘tranquillity’, and it is a commonly used surname in Korea.

2. Bae

Bae means ‘a pear’. It is also spelt as ‘Bai’.

3. Cha

Cha is derived from a word which means ‘chariot’.

4. Chae

The surname Chae has descended from the Chaegal clan. The people of the Chae clan can be found in southern Kyŏngsang and Chŏlla provinces.

5. Goe

Goe is a Korean word which means ‘high’.

6. Han

Han is a Korean word that means ‘country’ or ‘leader’.

7. Ho

Ho is a famous surname which means ‘brave’ or ‘fierce’.

8. Im

This word has been derived from the Korean word ‘Lin’, which means ‘a forest’.

9. Jeong

Jeong word is derived from the ancient word ‘Zheng’ which was a state name.

10. Kwack

Kwack word refers to the ‘outer part of a city or country’.

11. Lee

It comes from a Sino Korean word commonly used by Koreans. It means ‘plum’.

12. Moon

This is a Chinese derived word which refers to ‘culture’ or ‘literature’.

13. No

No is a short surname derived from Chinese word which means ‘field’ or ‘wilderness’.

14. Oh

Oh is used in Korea as a family name as it refers to the ancient state of Wu located in Jiangsu province.

15. Pae

Pae is a rare surname meaning “pear,” and may also relate to the Bae clan lineage.

16. Rim

Rim, a variant of Im or Lim, means “forest,” symbolizing growth, calm, and nature.

17. Shin

This surname comes from the five Shin Clans, who belonged to the Chinese and Korean Peninsular regions.

18. Tak

Tak surname is the traditional last name of a Scholar from the Koryo Kingdom.

19. Wang

Wang means “king” or “monarch,” representing royalty, power, or nobility.

20. Yu

This surname comes from a Chinese word that means ‘in’ or ‘at’.

Cool Korean Last Names

Looking for unique and memorable Korean surnames? Here are some of the coolest Korean last names that stand out for their distinctive meanings and cultural significance.

1. Bai

Bai (also spelled Bae) means “pear,” a symbol of fruitfulness and simplicity.

2. Byun

Byun is taken from the Chinese nickname Bian, which has numerous meanings, such as ‘excitable’ or ‘impatient’. This may also mean ‘edge’ or ‘border’.

3. Chay

Chay is another variant of the word Chai, and it means ‘brushwood’.

4. Do

This word is derived from the word ‘Dao’, which means ‘a path’.

5. Gang

Gang is a Korean family name originating from the Chinese word ‘Jiang’, which means ‘ginger’.

6. Gim

Gim is one of the top surnames derived from China. It means ‘gold’.

7. Ha

Ha is a romanized derivative of ‘Xia’, and it means ‘summer’.

8. In

In is another unique surname which refers to ‘India’.

9. Jang

Jang means “archer” or “bowyer,” and can also relate to leadership or discipline.

10. Kee

Kee is a variant of the Korean last name ‘Ki’. The Ki clan is an ancient clan in Korea.

11. Lin

Lin is a popular Korean last name from China, and it refers to “forest.”

12. Ma

This surname has a Chinese origin, and it means ‘horse’.

13. Min

Min is a famous last name in Korea, and it means ‘smart’ or ‘clever’.

14. Na

Na refers to the state of Zhou dynasty.

15. Pai

Pai is another variant of ‘Bai’ or ‘Pei’, and it means ‘pear fruit’.

16. Quon

Quon is a spelling variant of the word ‘Kwon’, which means ‘power’ or ‘authority’.

17. Ra

Ra has been derived from the Chinese word means ‘good’ or ‘virtuous’.

18. Sim

Sim translates to “deep” or “sink,” and is linked to thoughtfulness or emotional depth.

19. To

To is a Chinese word which means ‘dipper’ or ‘unit of measure’.

20. Yu

Yu is a Korean surname that comes from a Chinese word and means ‘in’ or ‘at’.

Infographic – Best Korean Last Names or Surnames

Some of the names have an influence on Japanese and Chinese names as well. Apart from these, many surnames are either variations or are related to other surnames. We hope you were able to get a great deal of knowledge from this list of royal Korean family names and meanings.

Also Read:

Roman Last Names or Surnames
Chinese Last Names Or Surnames
Japanese Last Names Or Surnames
Vietnamese Last Names or Surnames

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