Korea’s favorite baby names of 2025

A nurse tends to a newborn in the neonatal unit at CHA Ilsan Medical Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 26, 2025. Yonhap

From shopping for baby items to setting up nurseries, expecting parents have to prepare extensively before their newborn arrives. As they reach the final stages of pregnancy, they face one of their most meaningful tasks: choosing the baby’s name.

Traditionally, Korean names were based on Chinese characters ("hanja"), shared family syllables passed down through generations, or astrological readings meant to bring good fortune.

Today, however, naming trends have changed. Over the past few years, many parents have favored short, easy-to-pronounce names that feel modern. Ease of pronunciation, uniqueness, how it sounds and how it’s spelled in English are now key considerations, emphasizing Korea’s changing culture and global awareness.

These were the most popular Korean baby names of 2025, according to Namechart, a website that tracks baby name trends based on data from the Supreme Court of Korea’s Family Relations Registration System.

Cha Eun-woo / Xportsnews

2025 top 10 boy names:

1. Do-yun
2. I-jun
3. Si-u
4. Ha-jun
5. Tae-o
6. Do-hyeon
7. I-an
8. I-hyeon
9. Seo-jun
10. Eun-u

IVE's Leeseo / Xportsnews

2025 top 10 girl names:

1. Seo-yun
2. Seo-a
3. A-rin
4. I-seo
5. Ji-an
6. Ha-yun
7. Ha-rin
8. A-yun
9. Ji-yu
10. Si-a

Native Korean baby names are displayed at the National Hangeul Museum in Seoul, 2020. Courtesy of National Hangeul Museum

Beyond popular baby name rankings, names derived from native Korean words are gaining attention. Unlike names based on traditional Chinese characters, these names come directly from the Korean language itself, inspired by nature, emotions and poetic imagery. As parents move away from complex meanings and rigid naming rules, these names reflect individuality and a distinctly Korean identity.

Here are some examples of baby names derived from native Korean words and the meanings behind them.

SEVENTEEN's Vernon, whose real name is Chwe Han-sol / Xportsnews

10 names inspired by nature:

1. Ga-on: the center of the world
2. Ga-ram: river
3. Da-som: love
4. A-ra: sea
5. Yoon-seul: shimmering water
6. Sae-bom: a fresh start in spring
7. Han-byeol: a great star
8. Nu-ri: the world
9. Han-sol: a great pine tree
10. Na-ri: lily

Jeon Somi / Courtesy of THEBLACKLABEL

10 names inspired by characteristics:

1. E-den: kind and pure
2. Da-seul: wise and resilient
3. Ra-on: joyful
4. Byeol-ha: shines like a star
5. Seul-gi: wise and discerning
6. So-mi: soft like cotton
7. Han-gyeol: consistent
8. Da-mi: thrives in everything
9. Seul-a: wise and beautiful
10. Cho-rong: clear and bright