Origin and meaning of the name Min-soo

The given name "Min-Soo" is of Korean origin. It consists of two characters: "Min," which means "great" or "bright," and "Soo," which can mean "hand" or "clan." Together, "Min-Soo" can be interpreted as having a bright or great hand or clan. The name has been used in Korea for centuries and is still popular today.

Learn more about the origin of the name Min-soo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Min-soo

The name Min-Soo is of Korean origin and is composed of two characters: "Min" (민) and "Soo" (수). In the Korean Hangeul alphabet, each character represents a syllable.

The character "Min" (민) can have multiple meanings depending on its context, but it generally signifies 'heart,' 'deep,' or 'thought.' The character "Soo" (수), on the other hand, means 'water' or 'number three.'

Combining these two characters, Min-Soo can be interpreted as having a deep or thoughtful nature, much like the fluid and adaptable qualities of water. It is also symbolically associated with the third number, which might imply balance, harmony, or even creativity, depending on Korean numerology beliefs. The name Min-Soo is a common name in Korea and carries a traditional, respectable image due to its simple yet profound meaning.

Character traits associated with the name Min-soo

Min-Soo is often characterized by a strong sense of determination and perseverance. Known for their resilience, they have an unwavering commitment to their goals and are likely to persist through challenges and obstacles. They possess intellectual curiosity, seeking out knowledge in a wide range of subjects. Min-Soo is also known for their empathetic nature, showing deep concern for the feelings and wellbeing of those around them. They have excellent communication skills and are able to express themselves articulately and diplomatically. Their open-mindedness allows them to embrace new ideas and experiences, fostering a sense of adaptability and flexibility. Min-Soo is likely to be a reliable and dependable individual, always striving to uphold their personal values and maintain strong relationships with others. They are driven by a desire for excellence and growth, making them valuable members of any team or community.

Popularity of the name Min-soo

The name Min-Soo has moderate popularity across various Asian countries, particularly South Korea and Japan, with regional variations in usage. In South Korea, it is commonly given to boys and often associated with strong, scholarly, or wise attributes due to its Chinese character origins meaning "to reflect" or "to think." It's also popular in Japan, where it holds a slightly different meaning related to the Buddhist concept of mindfulness. However, the name Min-Soo is less common in Western cultures, making it a unique choice for individuals seeking a distinctive Asian moniker outside their home continent.

Famous people with the name Min-soo

Min-Soo Lee is a renowned South Korean actor, best known for his roles in popular Korean dramas such as "Boys Over Flowers" and "My Love from the Star." Born in Seoul in 1987, he made his acting debut in 2007. In addition to television, Lee has also ventured into film, with notable appearances in movies like "The Neighbor" and "The Pirates."

Min-Soo Kim is a South Korean professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour. Born in 1984, he turned professional in 2006 after winning the Asian Amateur Championship and the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in consecutive years. He has had several notable performances on the PGA Tour, including a win at the 2012 Players Championship.

Min-Soo Kang is a South Korean badminton player who has represented his country in international competitions since 2007. He won a silver medal in the mixed doubles event at the 2012 Summer Olympics, partnering with Kim Ha-na. Kang also holds several medals from World Championships and other international tournaments.

Variations of the name Min-soo

The name Min-Soo can be spelled and pronounced in various ways, reflecting different cultural influences. Here are some common variations:

1. Min-Soo: This is the most common spelling, following the Korean Hangul system. It is usually pronounced as [min soo] in Korean.
2. Min Su: In English, it can be written as Min Su. The hyphen is often omitted when transliterating from Hangul to English, but some may choose to include it for clarity. It is pronounced as [min soo].
3. Min-Su: Another English spelling variation includes capitalizing the second syllable of Min. However, this can also be interpreted as a different name (Min and Su) if not contextually specified.
4. Minsoo: This variation, while less common, is an alternative spelling in English. It follows the English alphabet system but does not follow the original Hangul spacing. Pronunciation remains the same as [min soo].
5. MinSo or Minsoo: These variations may be found occasionally, where the syllables are run together with no space in between. However, this is more common in casual conversation than in formal settings and may not be considered proper spelling by some. The pronunciation remains [min soo].

Regardless of spelling or pronunciation, Min-Soo remains a popular name of Korean origin, symbolizing wisdom (Min) and good fortune (Soo).

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "min-soo"
• 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

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