Most Popular Korean Names in 2025: Trends Inspired by K-Pop

Korean names are experiencing a global renaissance, thanks to the worldwide influence of K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Korean culture. Whether you’re expecting a baby, creating a character, or simply curious about Korean naming trends, this guide reveals the most popular names making waves in 2025.

Top Korean Names for Boys in 2025

Classic Yet Timeless

Rank	Name (Hangul)	Romanization	Meaning
1	서준	Seojun	Auspicious + talented
2	도윤	Doyun	Path + harmony
3	시우	Siwoo	Beginning + rain (blessing)
4	주원	Juwon	Precious + origin
5	하준	Hajun	Great + talented
6	지호	Jiho	Wisdom + greatness
7	준서	Junseo	Talented + auspicious
8	예준	Yejun	Art + talented
9	민준	Minjun	Clever + talented
10	현우	Hyunwoo	Bright + universe

K-Pop Influenced Names

These names have surged in popularity thanks to famous idols:

• 태형 (Taehyung) - BTS’s V effect
• 정국 (Jungkook) - Golden maknae influence
• 민호 (Minho) - SHINee/Stray Kids popularity
• 찬 (Chan) - Stray Kids Bang Chan
• 현진 (Hyunjin) - Stray Kids visual

Top Korean Names for Girls in 2025

Elegant and Modern

Rank	Name (Hangul)	Romanization	Meaning
1	서윤	Seoyun	Auspicious + soft
2	서아	Seoa	Auspicious + elegant
3	하윤	Hayun	Summer/great + soft
4	지유	Jiyu	Wisdom + gentle
5	하은	Haeun	Great + grace
6	수아	Sua	Excellence + elegant
7	지아	Jia	Wisdom + elegant
8	채원	Chaewon	Colorful + origin
9	윤서	Yunseo	Soft + auspicious
10	민서	Minseo	Clever + auspicious

Idol-Inspired Names

• 지수 (Jisoo) - BLACKPINK effect
• 예지 (Yeji) - ITZY leader popularity
• 윈터 (Winter) - aespa member (unique English name trend)
• 유나 (Yuna) - ITZY/other idol influence
• 카리나 (Karina) - aespa leader (English name trend)

2025 Korean Naming Trends

Trend 1: Two-Syllable Given Names Dominate

The vast majority of popular names in 2025 follow the traditional two-syllable format:

• First syllable: Often carries the main meaning
• Second syllable: Adds nuance or balance

Examples:

• 서 (Seo) + 준 (Jun) = Seojun
• 지 (Ji) + 유 (Yu) = Jiyu

Trend 2: Soft, Gentle Sounds

Modern Korean parents prefer names with gentle, flowing sounds:

Popular ending syllables:

• 윤 (Yun) - soft, harmonious
• 아 (A) - elegant, refined
• 은 (Eun) - graceful

Less common now:

• Harsh consonant endings
• Overly traditional sounds

Trend 3: Gender-Neutral Options Rising

Some names are becoming popular for both boys and girls:

Name	Meaning	Used For
하늘 (Haneul)	Sky	Both
별 (Byul)	Star	Both
서하 (Seoha)	Auspicious + summer	Both
윤 (Yun)	Soft, harmony	Both

Trend 4: Pure Korean Names (고유어 이름)

While Hanja-based names dominate, pure Korean names are gaining popularity:

• 하늘 (Haneul) - Sky
• 나래 (Narae) - Wing
• 보라 (Bora) - Purple
• 아라 (Ara) - Sea
• 누리 (Nuri) - World

Trend 5: English/Western Influenced Names

Thanks to K-Pop’s global reach, some idols use English names that influence trends:

• Felix (Stray Kids)
• Ningning (aespa)
• Yuna (ITZY)

How K-Pop Influences Name Trends

The “Idol Effect”

When a K-Pop idol becomes famous, their name often sees a surge in popularity:

Timeline Example:
2020: "태형" ranks #45 in baby names
2021: BTS V's global popularity peaks
2022: "태형" jumps to #12
2023: Stabilizes at #15

Name Styles by Generation

Gen	Popular Styles	Example Idols
1st Gen	Traditional Hanja	BoA (보아)
2nd Gen	Mixed traditional/modern	Tiffany, Jessica
3rd Gen	Meaningful + memorable	V, Suga, RM
4th Gen	Unique + global appeal	Karina, Winter, I.N

Create Your Perfect Korean Name

Ready to find your own Korean name? Consider these factors:

Step 1: Choose Your Style

• Traditional: Classic Hanja meanings
• Modern: Trendy, soft sounds
• Idol-inspired: Match your bias’s vibe
• Unique: Stand out from the crowd

Step 2: Consider the Meaning

What qualities do you value?

• 지 (Ji) = Wisdom
• 민 (Min) = Clever, quick
• 서 (Seo) = Auspicious
• 하 (Ha) = Great, summer
• 윤 (Yun) = Soft, harmonious

Step 3: Test the Sound

• Does it flow well?
• Is it easy to pronounce?
• Does it match your personality?

Try Our Name Generator!

Not sure where to start? Our K-Pop Name Generator uses authentic Korean naming data to create meaningful, personalized names based on your preferences and your favorite idol’s style!

The Future of Korean Names

As K-Pop continues to dominate global culture, we can expect:

1. More international hybrid names - Mixing Korean and Western elements
2. Increased uniqueness - Parents seeking standout names
3. Pure Korean revival - Return to native Korean words
4. Gender-neutral growth - More unisex options

Conclusion

Korean names in 2025 reflect a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, heavily influenced by the K-Pop wave sweeping the globe. Whether you prefer classic Hanja meanings or trendy idol-inspired choices, there’s never been a more exciting time to explore Korean naming culture.

Discover your perfect Korean name today with our free name generator and join millions of K-Pop fans who’ve found their Korean identity!

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