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Origin and meaning of the name Hyun-sook

What is the origin of the name Hyun-sook?

Hyun-Sook is a Korean feminine given name. The characters 현 (Hyun) mean present and 숙 (Sook) means wisdom or deep knowledge. It is composed of two Chinese characters from classical Chinese which were adopted into the Korean language. This name has been used in Korea since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The name can be written differently depending on the hanja (Chinese characters) used, but 현숙 is one common spelling and pronunciation.

Learn more about the origin of the name Hyun-sook

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Hyun-sook

The name Hyun-Sook is a Korean feminine given name, composed of two characters: "현" (Hyun) and "숙" (Sook). The character "현" means "shining" or "bright," while the character "숙" can mean "winter," "snow," or "respectable woman." Together, the name Hyun-Sook symbolizes a woman who shines brightly, like a snowy winter landscape, or one who is a respectable and shining figure.

The origins of this name are deeply rooted in Korean culture and tradition. In Korean naming conventions, every syllable in a person's name carries significant meaning and symbolism. The name Hyun-Sook, with its bright and radiant connotations, might be chosen to bestow upon the child an auspicious start in life, encouraging her to shine and excel in all her pursuits. It is also worth noting that Korean names can often be written in various combinations of characters, allowing for flexibility in choosing a name that reflects one's personality or aspirations. In the case of Hyun-Sook, it represents a woman who is both radiant and respectable, embodying traditional Korean values while maintaining a contemporary and vibrant spirit.

Character traits associated with the name Hyun-sook

Hyun-Sook, a name of Korean origin, is often associated with individuals who possess a strong sense of resilience and determination. They are known for their adaptability, as the name Hyun-Sook signifies the ability to overcome challenges and thrive in various situations. Hyun-Sooks tend to be compassionate, demonstrating deep concern for others' wellbeing and exhibiting a nurturing nature. They value harmony and strive to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives. Known for their diligent work ethic and attention to detail, they are typically reliable and responsible. Hyun-Sooks also have a strong sense of tradition and respect for the past, often using it as a foundation for personal growth and progress. They are innovative thinkers who approach problems with a practical, yet creative mindset, making them valuable contributors in any setting.

Popularity of the name Hyun-sook

The name Hyun-Sook is relatively common in South Korea, particularly among older generations. According to data from the Statistics Korea, it was among the top 30 most popular female names born between 1960 and 1979. However, its popularity has decreased significantly in more recent years, falling outside the top 100 most common female names for births since the year 2000. This decline in popularity is likely due to changing trends in naming practices among South Korean families. The name Hyun-Sook, which translates to "graceful" and "smart," retains a certain nostalgic charm but has been replaced by more contemporary names among younger generations. Despite its declining popularity, the name Hyun-Sook remains a respected and meaningful choice for parents seeking traditional Korean names for their daughters.

Famous people with the name Hyun-sook

Hyun-Sook is a relatively uncommon Korean name that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Hyun-Sook Kim, a prominent human rights activist who served as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict from 2010 to 2018. Another well-known figure is Hyun-Sook Han, a South Korean lawyer and diplomat who was the first female Ambassador of South Korea to the United States, serving from 1995 to 1998. In the world of sports, Hyun-Sook Yu represented South Korea in table tennis at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. These individuals are testament to the achievements and impact that individuals named Hyun-Sook have made in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Hyun-sook

The name Hyun-Sook has several variations, often dependent on regional dialects and cultural influences within Korea. Some common spelling variations include Hyeon-Suk, Hyeon Suk, Hyeon-Seok, Hyeon Seok, and Heon-Suk. It's also possible to find minor differences due to romanization systems, such as Hyŏn-Suk or Hyondaek in McCune-Reischauer or Hyeonsook in Revised Romanization. These variations stem from the Korean characters 현숙 (Hyun-Sook), which can be broken down into 현 (Hyun) meaning "shining, brilliant" and 숙 (Sook) meaning "wise, learned". It's important to note that the spelling of names is subjective and can vary based on personal preference or transliteration method.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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