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Korean‌ ‌Names‌ ‌101:‌ ‌Tips‌ ‌And‌ ‌Tricks‌ ‌On‌ ‌ How‌ ‌To‌ ‌Make‌ ‌A‌ ‌Korean‌ ‌Name‌ ‌For‌ ‌Yourself‌


Korean culture is all over the world nowadays. Several individuals are immersed in this culture, from music, films, drama series, and guess what, even creating their own Korean name. If you haven't been an avid Korean culture fan yet, this is the perfect time to join in the fun. You are reading the right piece.

Many of those fans of Korean culture want to take it further by visiting the East Asian country, 

learning the Korean language, understanding native Korean words, reading Korean characters, and so much more. They are obsessed with translating their names into Korean family names, or the version of their name in Korean or their Korean family name or native Korean name. With this guide, you'll learn in a concise way how to make a Korean name. Read on.

Credit: Unsplash.

Learning About Korean Names

It may be a cliché to ask, "What's in a name?" Well, to tell you, in Korean culture, their names can mean a lot.

Did you know that many South Korean parents spend a lot of time and money deciding the name of their children? It's beyond choosing their child's name in Korean or a name that'll make them popular. They believe their child's destiny is with their name. This is why almost all Korean names possess a deeper meaning, especially those that involve Chinese characters or Sino-Korean names.

With their child's future at stake, these South Korean parents need to provide their children with a good name in Korea. They don't just choose the name because of its popularity, but they look at what they'll mean.

Before making your own Korean name, it is important to learn how to pronounce Korean names. To do this entails learning about the Korean alphabet.

The Practical Advantage Of Making Your Own Korean Name

For foreigners in South Korea or even in countries that interact a lot with Koreans, there seems to be a barrier because of the cultural differences with the Korean people. Moreover, Koreans find it hard to pronounce the names of foreigners.

Having a name in Korean will be beneficial, especially if you're into business dealings with Koreans. Plus, these people will also have fun calling you using your new Korean name.

Making your name in Korean is worthwhile. Aside from the reasons discussed above, you'll also be able to immerse more into Korean culture.

It may be challenging to produce your Korean name, as there are several methods to consider. Worry not, as we'll help you along the way.

A Guide To Making Your Own Korean Name

First of all, a Korean name is divided into three parts. These are:

  • The family name

  • The generational name

  • The personal name

This time, we decided to use the names of the members of the popular boy group BTS.

Kim is the family name, while Nam and Joon are given names. Generally speaking, these could either be one generational and one given, or two given names.

The family and personal name equate to your original last and first name. The generational name is that which siblings or cousins share. One example can be from the names of BTS Jin and his brother.

The real name of Jin is Kim Seokjin, while the name of his older brother is Kim SeokJung. You can notice they have similar middle or generational names.

However, this isn't obligatory. Let's continue learning with the real name of BTS J-Hope, for example.

Jung Hoseok and his older sister only share the family name but not the generational name.

So, it can go both ways literally -- either two (or one or even three) given names or one generational and one personal.

Meaning Of Korean Names

Now, when it comes to the meaning of the names, they can be from either Chinese characters or Hanja or Hangul. Hanja characters have special meanings for each syllable. Names in Hangul are simple terms that can be part of your vocabulary.

Let's Create Your Korean Name

First things first, you can divide your name into syllables and write this name down in Hangul.

Take a look at the examples.

You can divide "Jane" into "Jae-een" (재인).

You can divide "Daniel" into "Dah-nih-eul" (다니엘).

You're almost done! In this way, you can have a Korean name close to your real name.

Another thing you can do to find your Korean name is to go to a page online that automatically translates your name to a Korean name or one that sounds similar to your original name.

Here are more examples.

"Karen Johnson" is translated to "Song Dae Eun" (송대은).

"Viviana" is translated to "Han Min Na."

If you're not totally satisfied with the given name you've come up with, you may choose a name that has a similar meaning as your name.

You can find a page online that lists Korean names with their specific meanings.

Let us take "Hui-Seon" as an example. The meaning of "Hui" is about being joyful, while "Seon" means being kind, being virtuous.

You may even switch the order of the name or change up the romanticization version a little bit.

That's your concise guide on creating your new Korean name.

How To Make A Korean Name: Conclusion

When you want to translate your own name into Korean names, there are several ways. These methods include writing your name in Korean, using a Korean name generator, choosing from a list of names such as South Korean names, selecting a name that sounds like your own name, picking a Korean name with special meaning, or getting a Korean name chosen by professionals.

The person's family name or your name can now be translated to its Korean name structure by this time. Are you ready to immerse more into Korean culture?


Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.