The famous Chinese philosopher Confucius stated, “A good name will lead to a good life (정명순행-正名順行).” Many Asian countries put an emphasis on names–Korea included. Names are important to Koreans. And for those of you interested in finding out more about Korean names, writing your name in the Korean alphabet, or even putting together your very own Korean name, well, don’t go anywhere, as this post is your one-stop guide regarding Korean names!
We’ll be honest with you—one of the questions we get asked the most on KoreanClass101 is on — yes, you guessed it — names. The most frequently asked questions include:
“How do you write an English name in Korean?”
“Is it possible to make a name up and ask native Koreans to use it?”
“Are there any Korean names that sound like English names?”
A. Each Syllable Should Have One Consonant and One Vowel at Least.
One common mistake that we see people making while trying to figure out how to write their name in Korean is that they try to write their names according to the way it is spelled. But actually, you need to write it according to how your name is pronounced. Find Korean pronunciation that sounds similar to your actual name.
Let’s take the name Jane for example. If you try to romanize it in Korean as it is spelled (which would be ‘ja-ne’), it would be sound like ‘자-네’, which really doesn’t sound anything like ‘Jane’.
Here, you may fall into your first dilemma. Korean words must consist of a consonant and vowel sound. However, some names contains only a consonant sound. In this case, just add the Korean vowel ‘ㅡ
(eu)‘. For example, Chris sounds like ‘kris’ so it would become ‘크리스 (keu-ri-seu)’ by adding ‘eu’ to ‘k’ and ‘s’.
Chris sounds like Kris. It’s K + ri + s. Add ㅡ (eu) to a consonant that doesn’t have a vowel sound.
It becomes Keu + ri + seu, which is 크리스 in Korean.
This rule also applies to names that contains a syllable that starts with ‘t’. For example, if you want to write the name Trina in Korean, just add ‘eu’ to the ‘t’ sound and you will get ‘트리나 (teu-ri-na)’.
Trina is T + ri + na. Add ㅡ (eu) to a consonant that doesn’t have a vowel sound.
It becomes Teu + ri + na, which is 트리나 in Korean.
B. An ‘R’ at the End of the Syllable is Silent.
Now, you may have noticed that the ‘r’ sound at the end of ‘Trevor (트레버)’ does not show up in the Korean equivalent. This is because you do not need to add the consonant ‘ㄹ’ at the end of the syllable if it ends with ‘r’. Some say that this is because there are not so many hangul names with the batchim ‘ㄹ’ at the end. Others say that this is due to the rules set by the National Institute of Korean Language, which designates that borrowed words (외래어) and names be written in a certain way to avoid confusion.
No matter what the reason, remember not to add the batchim ‘ㄹ’ if the syllable ends with ‘r’. Here are some examples of names that should apply this rule:
The name Peter will be romanized as pi-teo and written in Korean as ‘피터 (pi-teo)’, not ‘피털’.
Alexander will be romanized as a-lek-san-deo and written as ‘알렉산더 (alreksandeo)’, not ‘알렉산덜’
C. An ‘H’ at the End of the Syllable is Silent.
If your name ends with an ‘h’, it will become silent.
Example: Hannah will be written as ‘한나 (hanna)’, not ‘한낳’.
D. A ‘SH’ at the End of the Syllable Can be Either ‘시’ or ‘쉬’.
Other tricky names to write in Korean would be those that end with ‘sh’. In this case, you could use either ‘시 (si)’ or ‘쉬
(swi)’. For example:
Josh could be written as ‘조시 (josi)’ or ‘조쉬 (joswi)’
E. A ‘P’ or an ‘PH’ at the End of the Syllable Can be Either ‘ㅂ’ or ‘프’.
If your name ends with a ‘p’ or ‘ph’, you can use either the batchim ‘ㅂ’ or ‘프’, depending on your preference.
For example, the name Joseph is more commonly written as ‘조셉 (josep)’ in Korean, but you will also see people writing it as ‘조세프 (josepeu)’.
Another example would be Phillip, ‘필립 (pillip)’, which is even used as a native Korean name. But you could write it as ‘필리프 (pillipeu)’. (Again, ‘필립’ is used more commonly.)
F. A ‘T’ at the End of the Syllable Can be Either ‘ㅅ’ or ‘트’.
Names that have a syllable that ends with ‘t’ can be written as either ‘ㅅ’ or ‘트’. For example:
Scott could be written as ‘스콧 (seukot)’ or ‘스코트 (seukoteu)’
Matt could be written as ‘맷 (maet)’ or ‘매트 (maeteu)’
G. ‘F’ is Pronounced as ‘P (ㅍ)’.
There is no ‘f’ sound in Korean, so names that start with ‘f’ will be written using the consonant ‘ㅍ’ , along with names that start with ‘p’. For example:
Felicity will be written in Korean as ‘펠리시티 (pellisiti)’
Pamela will be written in Korean as ‘파멜라 (pamella)’
H. ‘V’ is Pronounced as ‘B (ㅂ)’.
There is no ‘v’ sound in Korean, so syllables that start with ‘v’ will be written using the consonant ‘ㅂ’ , along with names that have ‘b’. For example:
Vanessa will be written in Korean as ‘바네사 (banesa)’.
Becky will be written in Korean as ‘베키 (beki)’.
Steve will be written in Korean as ‘스티브 (seutibeu)’.
I. ‘Z’ is Pronounced as ‘J (ㅈ)’.
Names that start with ‘j’ or ‘z’ will be written using the consonant ‘ㅈ’. For example:
Joe will be written in Korean as ‘조 (jo)’.
Jack and Zack will both be written in Korean as ‘잭 (jaek)’.
J. ‘One L + Vowel’ in the middle of the name Becomes ‘ㄹ + ㄹ + Vowel’.
One ‘l’ that comes before a vowel in the middle of the name often becomes ㄹ + ㄹ + vowel. For example:
Julia will be written in Korean as ‘줄리아 (jullia)’.
Nicolas will be written in Korean as ‘니콜라스 (nikollaseu)’.
But if ‘l’ comes at the beginning of the name, it doesn’t change to ㄹ + ㄹ. ‘Lena’ is just ‘레나 (rena)’. If there are two Ls in the middle of the name, write it as it is. You don’t need to add more ㄹ sounds. For that reason, both Gabriella and Gabriela are 가브리엘라.
K. A ‘K’ at the End of the Syllable Can be Either ‘ㄱ’ or ‘크’.
If the pronunciation of the name syllable ends with ‘k’, it’s ‘ㄱ’ or ‘크’ but ‘ㄱ’is more common. For example:
Patrick will be written in Korean as ‘패트릭 (paeteurik)’.
We’ve gone through the basics of writing your name in Korean. However, if you’re feeling slightly lazy, don’t worry! There are some Korean names that sound exactly like names in English that you could use as your own, without worrying about how to write the consonants and vowels.
Here are some names that you can choose from–can you find your name on the list?
Now if you really want a Korean sounding name, one fun way to do so would be to use popular Korean names. It will definitely be a great ice breaker if you do have a ‘Korean’ name.
A. Make One Using Your Birthday.
Try using your birthday to come up with a Korean name—here is a fun chart that you could use to come up with a name for yourself (and you can tell everyone that you came up with your name based on your date of birth and year!)
For example, if you’re female and your birthday is September 1st, 1996, your full name would be 최진희 (Choe Jin-Hui).
최진희
Surname: 최 (Choe)
Given Name: 진희 (Jin-Hui)
If you’re male with the same birthday above, September 1st, 1996, it’d be 최진훈 (Choe Jin-Hun).
최진훈
Surname: 최 (Choe)
Given Name: 진훈 (Jin-Hun)
B. Pick One from the List of the Most Popular Names.
If you’d like to use a popular Korean name as your own, you can find the list of the most popular names for 2017 below.
Girl
Boy
1.
하윤 (Ha-Yun)
도윤 (Do-Yun)
2.
지우 (Ji-Wu)
예준 (Ye-Jun)
3.
하린 (Ha-Rin)
주원 (Ju-Won)
4.
수아 (Su-A)
유준 (Yu-Jun)
5.
지아 (Ji-A)
지호 (Ji-Ho)
6.
서아 (Seo-A)
준우 (Jun-U)
7.
서윤 (Seo-Yun)
하준 (Ha-Jun)
8.
서연 (Seo-Yeon)
서준 (Seo-Jun)
9.
하은 (Ha-Eun)
시우 (Si-U)
10.
지유 (Ji-Yu)
민준 (Min-Jun)
You can put these names together with a surname that you think will work for you. You can find some of the most common surnames in Korea.
There is a famous Korean saying in Korea regarding names:
호랑이는 죽어서 가죽을 남기고 사람은 죽어서 이름이 남긴다.
“A tiger will die and leave its skin, and a person will die and leave his name”.
This is one saying that epitomizes the importance of names to Koreans.
Although some parents will forego the meaningful Chinese characters and opt for a pure Hangul name, you will still commonly see many parents with newborns asking advice from elders or even going to ‘naming gurus’ to get the name that will bring ‘prosperity’ or ‘luck’ to their children. Some parents even take the time to give their children fetal names ‘태명’ before they are born!
Having said that, how is a Korean name written?
Unlike in English, where the ‘given’ name comes first and the ‘surname’ at the end, you will write your ‘surname/family name/last name (성)’, usually one character (there are some surnames with two characters), first, then your ‘given name/first name (이름), which is usually two characters). For example:
권지용
Surname: 권 (Gwon)
Given Name: 지용 (Ji-Yong)
As you can see, it is actually not difficult to write your name in Korean. The fastest method would be to check how your name is written officially in Korean. You could also look for a Korean name that sounds similar to yours, or even make up a ‘Korean’ name.
Or you could ask us! We would be more than happy to give you a hand. Please try writing your name out in Hangul (and let us know how you write and pronounce it in English) in the submission form on the top, and we’ll get back to you.
In this video series, you will learn the Korean alphabet, known as Hangul. We will teach you Hangul using simple steps, showing you the correct stroke order, helpful tricks for memorization, and proper usage in common Korean words. If you want to get started reading and writing Korean, this is THE place to start.
Want to learn Korean? Don’t know where to start? This is it. The Introduction to Korean Video series is perfect for those who know zero Korean but want to take that first step. In this series, you’ll learn all about the Korean language, as well as grammar, writing and phrases to get you started.
Ready to sound like a native Korean speaker? Join Alisha and Ara in the Ultimate Korean Pronunciation Series! You’ll learn the ins and outs of perfect Korean pronunciation. You’ll learn the common mistakes learners make, how to avoid them, and the nuances that only native speakers are aware of.
Learn the basics you need to be polite while speaking Korean. Amy will take you step-by-step through must-know phrases and explain the grammar and composition. Plus, you’ll get some special tips on how to be extra authentic when interacting with native Korean speakers.
What's your name? Leave a comment. We'll write your name in the Korean alphabet 😄
Jasper
Sunday at 03:17 AM
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Hey! So, I've been trying to choose a name for some time now. My name is Jasper and I know it can be written as 재스퍼 in Korean, but I don't really like how it sounds. Also, in my mother-tongue, it wouldn't have the same pronunciation as in English. It would sound more like 자스퍼. Anyway, I would like an actual Korean name that would fit how my name sounds and it's meaning... Jasper is a precious stone but also means "treasure holder", or "treasure finder". I would like to keep kind of the same meaning and magical feel of precious stones and/or treasures. I would also want an elegant name and keep the sound of J, so it is recognizable as a second name of mine. Maybe you guys have any idea of something like this? I would appreciate some ideas of names. Thanks for reading! 😊
Cristiany
Saturday at 05:18 AM
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cristiane
Gabriella Namboze
Wednesday at 03:38 PM
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Hello
My name is GABRIELLA NAMBOZE (gabree-ella) (namboze, the "e" as in "eh")
I'd like to have it in Korean.
KoreanClass101.com
Wednesday at 10:42 AM
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Hi Katelyn! 😊
Your name "Katelyn Ammann" doesn't have a direct meaning in Korean, as it is a name of Western origin. However, we can help you with the Korean pronunciation of your name. It would be written and pronounced as 케이틀린 아만 (Keiteullin Aman) in Korean.
Hi Lizbon Rees!
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo! "Hello!") 😊
If you would like to know how to say your name in Korean, it would be 리즈본 리스 (Rijeubon Risu). That's a lovely name!
안녕하세요, Faustina 씨! 😊
Your introduction in Korean looks great! However, there are a couple of small corrections to make:
1. "파ㅜ스티나" should be "파우스티나" (/Pa-u-seu-ti-na/). The correct spelling will help others pronounce your name properly.
2. "임니다" should be "입니다" (/im-ni-da/). It's a common mistake, but using "입니다" is the correct form for stating "I am" in Korean.
So your introduction should be:
- 안녕하세요. 제 이름은 파우스티나입니다. (Hello, my name is Faustina.)
- 그리고 안녕하세요, 저는 장명라입니다. (And hello, I am Jang Myeong-ra.)
Your Korean name sounds beautiful, and you're doing a wonderful job with your introduction! Keep up the great work! 🌟
Hi Richard!
To write "Richard Laws" in Korean, you can use: 리처드 로즈 (Ri-cheo-deu Ro-jeu).
Your name translates smoothly into Korean characters! 😊
Hi Tom!
To write "Tom Romano" in Korean, you can use: 톰 로마노 (Tom Ro-ma-no).
Your name has a nice ring to it in Korean! 😊
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions. Have a great day! 👍
감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida! "Thank you!")
Team KoreanClass101.com
KoreanClass101.com
Wednesday at 10:37 AM
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Hi Ruda,
The Korean name 박신애 (Bak Shin-ae) can be broken down as follows:
박 (Bak): A common Korean family name, typically romanized as "Park."
신애 (Shin-ae): A given name where:
신 (Shin) can mean "new" (新), "faith" (信), or other meanings depending on the hanja (Chinese characters) chosen.
애 (Ae) commonly means "love" (愛).
Hi Eolia!
Your name in Korean can be written as 에올리아 (Eollia). 😊 It's wonderful to see you interested in learning how to express your name in Korean! Keep up the great work.
Hi Zahra!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful meaning of your name with us! 🌸 In Korean, your name can be written as 자라 (Ja-ra). While it doesn't carry the exact same meanings as in Arabic, it sounds lovely in Korean as well.
Hi Shay! 😊
In Korean, you can introduce yourself by saying "제 이름은 쉐이입니다." (Je ireumeun Shay-imnida / My name is Shay). It's great to see you practicing introductions!
Hi, Jessica!
To write "Jordan" in Korean, you can use: 조던 (Jo-deon).
If you have any questions, please let us know. 😎
감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida! "Thank you!")
Team KoreanClass101.com
Linda
Wednesday at 12:27 AM
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Hi, I would like to know my name in korean
KoreanClass101.com
Tuesday at 04:32 PM
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Hi Angela!
Your name in Korean would be 안젤라 (An-jel-la). 😊 It's a beautiful name and sounds lovely in Korean as well!
Hi Kathleen Nichols!
It looks like you're trying to ask how to say your name in Korean. 😊 Your name in Korean would be "캐슬린 니콜스" (Kaeseullin Nikollseu).
Hi Sylvie!
Thank you for sharing your name with us! 😊 In Korean, your name "Sylvie" can be written as 실비 (Sil-bi), and "Sylvia" can be written as 실비아 (Sil-bi-a). Both are lovely, and it's great to know that you have an easy-to-pronounce alternative when you're traveling.
Hi! Andy 😊
Your name "Andy" can be written in Korean as "앤디" (Andy). Great job on writing it! If you have any questions about Korean language or need help with anything else, feel free to let us know. Keep up the good work!
Hi Geneviève!
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo! "Hello!") 😊
Thank you for sharing your name with us! If you're learning how to introduce yourself, you can say: "제 이름은 Geneviève입니다." (Je ireumeun Geneviève-imnida.) which means "My name is Geneviève."
Hi Estella!
Your name "Estella" can be translated into Korean as 에스텔라 (Eseutella). 😊 If you prefer "Stella," it would be 스텔라 (Seutella), and "Estelle" would be 에스텔 (Eseutel).
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.
감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida! Thank you!)
Team KoreanClass101.com
KoreanClass101.com
Tuesday at 04:28 PM
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Hi Nastaran!
Thank you for the detailed explanation of your name’s pronunciation!
Here, we advise on Korean names but you can visit our Chinese site to ask for your Chinese name! 😉
To reflect the nuances, here’s how "Nastaran Yarmohammadi" would be written in Korean:
나스타런 야르모하마디 (Na-seu-ta-reon Ya-reu-mo-ha-ma-di).
The first 아 (Na) uses a soft "a" sound, while the second vowel in 타런 (Taren) reflects the shorter "a" sound you described.
Your name is both unique and meaningful, and it translates beautifully into Korean! 😊
Hi Priscilla!
It seems like you might be interested in how to say your name in Korean. Your name, "Priscilla Ip," can be written as 프리실라 입 (Peurishilla Ip) in Korean. 😊
Hi Yaya!
봄달 (Bomdal) is a beautiful and poetic name! 😊 In Korean, it means "spring moon," which is quite unique and lovely. While it might not be a common name in Korea, it definitely has a charming and artistic feel to it.
As for choosing a last name, many people who adopt Korean names often choose common Korean surnames like 김 (Kim), 이 (Lee), or 박 (Park). However, if you like, you can simply go by 봄달 without a last name, especially if it feels more comfortable for you.
Hi Patricia!
Your name in Korean would be spelled as 패트리샤 (Paeteurisha). 😊 It's great to see your interest in learning how to say your name in Korean! Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida, "Thank you")
Team KoreanClass101.com
KoreanClass101.com
Tuesday at 04:21 PM
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Hi Bethany!
To write "Bethany Tucker" in Korean, you can use: 베서니 터커 (Be-seo-ni Teo-keo).
Your name translates beautifully into Korean characters! 😊
Hi Isis Griselda!
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo! / Hello!) 😊
It looks like you're interested in learning how to say your name in Korean. Your name in Korean would be written as 아이시스 그리셀다 (Aisiseu Geuriselda).
Hi Michele!
To write "Michele" in Korean, you can use: 미셸 (Mi-shel).
Your name looks lovely in Korean! 😊
Hi Jennifer!
To write "Jennifer Straws" in Korean, you can use: 제니퍼 스트로즈 (Je-ni-peo Seu-teu-ro-jeu).
Your name looks great in Korean characters! 😊
Hi Sylwia!
To write "Sylwia" in Korean, you can use: 실비아 (Sil-bi-a).
Your name in Korean would be written as 카르멘 다자 페레스 (Kareumen Daja Pereseu).
Hi Gail!
In Korean, your name might be pronounced as '게일' (Geil). It's wonderful to see you engaging with the lesson. Keep practicing, and you'll do great!
Hi Jia Jia!
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo! "Hello!") 😊
It's wonderful to hear that you've started learning Korean! Let's translate your name into Hangul.
Leong Jia Ting can be written as 리옹 지아 팅 (Riong Jia Ting) in Hangul.
Your nickname, Jia Jia, would be 지아 지아 (Jia Jia) in Hangul.
Hi Chong Re-Ann! 😊
Thank you for reaching out! Based on your name, a possible Korean name could be 종리안 (Jong Ri-An). This is a phonetic translation, and you can use it to introduce yourself in Korean.
What's your name? Leave a comment. We'll write your name in the Korean alphabet 😄