Origin and meaning of the name Eunwoo

Eunwoo is a Korean given name consisting of two parts. The first part, "Eun," is derived from various Hanja characters such as 은 (meaning "silver" or "moon") and 은 (meaning "courtesy" or "benevolence"). The second part, "Woo," is a common Korean surname as well as a given name that can be written with several different Hanja characters, but one of the most common meanings for this character is "martial" or "military." In traditional Korean naming conventions, the family name comes before the given name. However, in modern Korea, it is more common for people to use their given names instead of their family names. The popularity of the name Eunwoo has grown significantly due to famous individuals who share this name, such as actors Park Bo-gum and Astro's Cha Eun-woo.

Learn more about the origin of the name Eunwoo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Eunwoo

The name Eunwoo is of Korean origin, derived from the Sino-Korean characters 은우 (Eun-Woo). The character "은" (Eun) carries the meaning of 'silver' or 'moon' and the character "우" (Woo) translates to 'king' or 'captain'. Thus, Eunwoo can be interpreted as 'Silver King' or 'Moon Captain', symbolizing a person who is as graceful as the moon and strong like a king. The name has gained popularity in South Korea due to its elegant and meaningful connotation. In contemporary times, it's also associated with the renowned South Korean actor Park Bo-Gum, whose full name includes Eunwoo, further cementing its popularity among Korean parents.

Character traits associated with the name Eunwoo

Eunwoo is often characterized as an individual with a keen sense of empathy and deep emotional intelligence. This name, common among Korean populations, suggests a person who is kind-hearted, understanding, and compassionate towards others. Eunwoo is also associated with strong adaptability, being able to navigate various social situations with grace and diplomacy. Their intellectual curiosity can lead them to excel in academic pursuits or creative fields, demonstrating a dedication to learning and growth. In addition, Eunwoo tends to value relationships deeply, fostering strong bonds with friends, family, and community. They are also known for their charisma, which makes them well-liked by many people. However, this name can also suggest a tendency towards introspection and self-reflection, allowing Eunwoo to maintain a sense of inner peace and balance in their busy lives.

Popularity of the name Eunwoo

The name Eunwoo has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly among South Korean and Asian communities. This name, which translates to "good fortune" or "graceful beauty," is commonly associated with celebrities such as Park Bo-gum and Astro's Cha Eun-woo, contributing to its growing appeal. In South Korea, where it is often used for both boys and girls, Eunwoo has been consistently ranked among the top 100 baby names since 2015. The name's popularity extends beyond Asia as well, with Korean culture and K-pop fans worldwide appreciating its meaning and sound. This growing interest in Korean culture is likely to continue fueling the popularity of names like Eunwoo in the global landscape.

Famous people with the name Eunwoo

Eunwoo is a popular Korean name that has been borne by several notable figures across various fields. In the world of K-pop, Eunwoo is recognized as a member of the South Korean boy band Astro, under Fantagio Entertainment. Born in Busan, he made his debut in 2016 and quickly gained popularity for his charismatic stage presence, vocal abilities, and acting skills.

In the acting industry, Eunwoo has also made a significant impact, with roles in dramas such as "Goblin," "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung," and "True Beauty." His versatility in portraying characters and strong on-screen chemistry have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Another prominent figure named Eunwoo is Eun Woo Kim, an American physicist at the University of California, Berkeley. She was part of the team that detected gravitational waves for the first time, opening up a new era of astronomy. Her work has been instrumental in furthering our understanding of the universe and its mysteries.

These individuals share the name Eunwoo but have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and talent associated with this name.

Variations of the name Eunwoo

The Korean name Eunwoo has several variations and spellings depending on the romanization system used. Here are some of them:

* Eun-Woo (Hangul: 은우) - This is the most common spelling, using the McCune-Reischauer (MR) system for Romanizing Korean. It follows the order of Family Name - Given Name.
* Eun Woo (Hangul: 은우) - This spelling uses the Revised Romanization (RR) system, which places spaces between words. It also follows the order of Family Name - Given Name.
* Eun-woo (Hangul: 은우) - This spelling is another variation using the McCune-Reischauer (MR) system, but with a lowercase "w" in the given name.
* EunWoo (Hangul: 은우) or Eun-Woo (Hangul: 은우) - These spellings omit spaces between words and use all capital letters to emphasize that they are a single name, rather than Family Name - Given Name.

The surname of the person named Eunwoo can vary as well, depending on the family's preferred spelling or the romanization system used. Common Korean surnames include Kim, Lee, Park, and Choi. So, for example, a person with the name Eun-Woo and the surname Lee could also be written as Lee Eun-woo or LeeEun-Woo.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "eunwoo"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends