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Name meaning & originSunwoo 선우

/SUN-woo/

KoreanBoy
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Sunwoo is a Korean boy's name pronounced /SUN-woo/. A gentle and classic name meaning kindness and divine protection.

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Meaning of Sunwoo

A gentle and classic name meaning kindness and divine protection.

Sunwoo is derived from the Sino-Korean characters 'Seon' (善), meaning goodness or kindness, and 'Woo' (宇), representing the universe or a house. Another common combination uses 'Woo' (佑), which signifies divine protection or help, reflecting a wish for a virtuous life under heaven's guidance.

Origin
Korean
Pronunciation
/SUN-woo/

Cultural background

The name is a popular choice for boys in South Korea, valued for its soft phonetic quality and traditional roots. It remains a consistent favorite for parents seeking a name that sounds both classic and gentle.

Variations & nicknames

  • Seon-woo
  • Sun-woo
  • Suno
  • Swu

Famous people named Sunwoo

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Kim Sun-woo

    Member of the K-pop boy group THE BOYZ

    Music · 2017-present

  • Sunwoo Jung-a

    Acclaimed South Korean singer-songwriter and producer

    Music · 2006-present

  • Choi Sun-woo

    South Korean professional baseball player for the Kia Tigers

    Sport · 2010s-present

  • Kim Sun-woo

    Modern pentathlete and two-time Olympian

    Sport · 2014-present

  • Lee Sun-woo

    Professional volleyball player in the V-League

    Sport · 2020-present

Frequently asked about Sunwoo

What does Sunwoo mean?
Sunwoo typically means 'kindness' (Seon) combined with 'divine protection' or 'universe' (Woo), depending on the Hanja used.
How do you pronounce Sunwoo?
It is pronounced 'SUN-oo', where 'Sun' sounds like the English word but slightly softer, and 'woo' rhymes with 'moon'.
Is Sunwoo a boy or girl name?
While primarily used as a masculine name in South Korea, it is occasionally given to girls due to its gentle meaning.
Is Sunwoo a common Korean name?
Yes, it is a well-established name that has seen steady use over several decades, often appearing in the lists of popular names for boys.

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