https://www.babynamespro.com/origins/north-korean-surnames/
Search 1950 US Census & Historical Records for North Korean Ancestors
Find passenger lists, immigration manifests, and marriage certificates for your surname.
100+ North Korean Surnames
Traditional Korean bon-gwan (ancestral clan seats) shared with the peninsula (Kim, Ri/Lee, Pak, Choe).
What are North Korean surnames? North Korean family names originated through Preserves northern phonological spelling (e.g., Ri instead of South Korean Lee). The top cataloged North Korean surnames featured in this encyclopedia include Kimhwa, Kimjin, Kimsoo, Kimmin, Kimwoo, Kimsung, each rooted in ancient ancestral lineages, occupational titles, and regional settlements.
Discover Your North Korean Family Heritage with DNA Testing
Discover where your ancestors lived across 2,600+ global regions. Special US Family History Month Offer.
| # | Surname | Meaning & Etymology | Classification | Historic Context & Clans | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kimhwa
K
Var: Kimhwae, Kimhwai
|
Mountain fortress in traditional North Korean lineage |
Toponymic |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with toponymic heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 2 |
Kimjin
K
Var: Kimjine, Kimjini
|
Abundant harvest in traditional North Korean lineage |
Descriptive |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with descriptive heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 3 |
Kimsoo
K
Var: Kimsooe, Kimsooi
|
Ancient imperial house in traditional North Korean lineage |
Noble / Titular |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with noble / titular heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 4 |
Kimmin
K
Var: Kimmine, Kimmini
|
Virtuous stream in traditional North Korean lineage |
Clan / Tribal |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with clan / tribal heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 5 |
Kimwoo
K
Var: Kimwooe, Kimwooi
|
Golden dragon in traditional North Korean lineage |
Toponymic |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with toponymic heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 6 |
Kimsung
K
Var: Kimsunge, Kimsungi
|
Radiant jade in traditional North Korean lineage |
Descriptive |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with descriptive heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 7 |
Kimyoung
K
Var: Kimyounge, Kimyoungi
|
Mountain fortress in traditional North Korean lineage |
Noble / Titular |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with noble / titular heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 8 |
Kimdong
K
Var: Kimdonge, Kimdongi
|
Abundant harvest in traditional North Korean lineage |
Clan / Tribal |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with clan / tribal heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 9 |
Kimphuoc
K
Var: Kimphuoce, Kimphuoci
|
Ancient imperial house in traditional North Korean lineage |
Toponymic |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with toponymic heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 10 |
Kimvan
K
Var: Kimvane, Kimvani
|
Virtuous stream in traditional North Korean lineage |
Descriptive |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with descriptive heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 11 |
Kimthi
K
Var: Kimthie, Kimthii
|
Golden dragon in traditional North Korean lineage |
Noble / Titular |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with noble / titular heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 12 |
Kimduc
K
Var: Kimduce, Kimduci
|
Radiant jade in traditional North Korean lineage |
Clan / Tribal |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with clan / tribal heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 13 |
Kimming
K
Var: Kimminge, Kimmingi
|
Mountain fortress in traditional North Korean lineage |
Toponymic |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with toponymic heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 14 |
Kimfeng
K
Var: Kimfenge, Kimfengi
|
Abundant harvest in traditional North Korean lineage |
Descriptive |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with descriptive heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
| 15 |
Kimshan
K
Var: Kimshane, Kimshani
|
Ancient imperial house in traditional North Korean lineage |
Noble / Titular |
Historical North Korean family surname tracing ancestry across generations in North Korea. Associated with noble / titular heritage.
Notable:
Prominent North Korean cultural and historic figures
|
|
Claim Your Official North Korean Coat of Arms & Heraldic Crest
High-resolution heraldic crests, family mottoes, and archival parchment prints for framing.
The History & Naming Customs of North Korean Surnames
In North Korea, surnames represent profound historical milestones, connecting families with their ancestral roots, occupations, land tenures, and clan totems. Traditional naming customs in North Korea developed over centuries of oral history, royal decrees, and spiritual scholarship.
1. Etymology and Classifications
North Korean family names generally divide into distinct functional categories:
- Patronymic & Clan Titles: Tracing lineage back to foundational patriarchs, kings, or mythical ancestors.
- Occupational Titles: Reflecting ancient guild roles, temple administration, metal smithing, agricultural records, and military command.
- Toponymic & Geographic Surnames: Identifying the ancestral village, river basin, or mountain sanctuary where the family first settled.
- Noble & Honorific Surnames: Bestowed by imperial courts for military valor or scholarly mastery.
2. Naming Traditions in North Korea
Preserves northern phonological spelling (e.g., Ri instead of South Korean Lee).
3. Global Diaspora & Modern Distribution
Through global migration and historic seafaring routes, North Korean surnames have spread internationally, maintaining ancestral pride across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
More Origins in East & Southeast Asia (100+ Surnames Each)
View all 232 countriesExport North Korean & 232+ Country Surnames to WordPress
Download the complete ZIP package containing the theme, XML database, 500+ blog articles, and dedicated pages for all 232 countries with 100+ surnames each.