IPA Pronunciation

/suːˈmɪn/

Say It Like

SOO-min

Syllables

2

disyllabic

Sumin is a Korean unisex name that combines the Hanja characters 'Su' (秀), meaning 'excellent' or 'refined,' and 'Min' (敏), meaning 'quick,' 'clever,' or 'sharp.' Together, the name conveys the idea of someone who is refined, intelligent, and graceful.

Cultural Significance of Sumin

In Korean culture, the name Sumin carries connotations of grace, intelligence, and elegance, valued traits that parents hope to bestow upon their children. It is a name that resonates with both tradition and modernity, often chosen for its harmonious meaning and balanced phonetics.

Sumin Name Popularity in 2025

Currently, Sumin remains a popular unisex name in South Korea and among Korean communities worldwide. Its usage has been steady, favored for its pleasant sound and meaningful Hanja characters. The name has also gained some recognition internationally through Korean media and celebrities.

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Popular Nicknames5

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International Variations9

Su-minSoo-minSoo MinSu MinSominSoominSu-minhSuminhSoo-minh

Similar Names You Might Love5

Name Energy & Essence

The name Sumin carries the essence of “To be refined” from Korean tradition. Names beginning with "S" often embody qualities of spirituality, sensitivity, and inner strength.

Symbolism

Sumin symbolizes refinement, intelligence, and grace, representing someone who is both sharp-minded and elegantly poised. It carries the aspiration for personal excellence and quickness in thought and action.

Cultural Significance

In Korean culture, the name Sumin carries connotations of grace, intelligence, and elegance, valued traits that parents hope to bestow upon their children. It is a name that resonates with both tradition and modernity, often chosen for its harmonious meaning and balanced phonetics.

Yi Sumin

Scholar

Yi Sumin is remembered for his scholarly works that influenced Korean thought during the Joseon period.

  • Noted Confucian scholar during the Joseon Dynasty
  • Contributed to Korean literature and philosophy

Kim Sumin

Artist

Kim Sumin's art helped modernize Korean aesthetics and brought international attention to Korean painters.

  • Renowned Korean painter
  • Pioneer in modern Korean art

Sumin Lee

Musician

2010-present

  • Korean indie singer-songwriter
  • Unique blend of folk and modern sounds

Sumin Choi

Chef

2005-present

  • Innovative Korean cuisine
  • Popular food television appearances

My Lovely Sam Soon ()

Sumin

A supportive friend and colleague who provides comic relief and warmth.

Secret Garden ()

Sumin

A minor character known for her elegance and kindness.

The King 2 Hearts ()

Sumin

A royal aide with a sharp mind and loyal heart.

Sumin

🇪🇸spanish

Sumin

🇫🇷french

Sumin

🇮🇹italian

Sumin

🇩🇪german

スミン

🇯🇵japanese

秀敏

🇨🇳chinese

سومين

🇸🇦arabic

סומין

🇮🇱hebrew

Fun Fact About Sumin

The name Sumin can be written with different Hanja characters to alter its meaning slightly, allowing parents to personalize the name's significance while retaining its beautiful sound.

Personality Traits for Sumin

People named Sumin often exhibit a blend of thoughtful refinement and quick wit. They tend to be intelligent, adaptable, and possess a natural elegance in their demeanor, often drawing others in with their warm and approachable nature.

What does the name Sumin mean?

Sumin is a Korean name meaning “To be refined”. Sumin is a Korean unisex name that combines the Hanja characters 'Su' (秀), meaning 'excellent' or 'refined,' and 'Min' (敏), meaning 'quick,' 'clever,' or 'sharp.' Together, the name conveys the idea of someone who is refined, intelligent, and graceful.

How do you pronounce Sumin?

Sumin is pronounced SOO-min (IPA: /suːˈmɪn/). It has 2 syllables with the pattern disyllabic.

What are nicknames for Sumin?

Popular nicknames for Sumin include: Su, Min, Sumi, Soo, Minie.

Who are famous people named Sumin?

Famous people named Sumin include: Yi Sumin, Kim Sumin, Sumin Lee, Sumin Choi.

Hello, dear readers! Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite names: Sumin. It's a name that carries a wonderful blend of meaning, culture, and charm, and it’s one I’ve come to appreciate deeply through my years as a baby name enthusiast and expert. Whether you’re considering this name for your little one or just curious about its background, I hope this journey into the world of Sumin will be as delightful for you as it is for me.

What Does Sumin Mean? Let's start with the basics. The name Sumin is of Korean origin and is unisex, which means it’s beautifully flexible for both boys and girls. The name is composed of two parts: 'Su' (秀), which means 'excellent' or 'refined,' and 'Min' (敏), which means 'quick,' 'clever,' or 'sharp.' Put these together, and you get a name that symbolizes being "refined and intelligent." Isn’t that just lovely? It’s a name that suggests grace, sharpness of mind, and elegance — qualities many parents hope to inspire in their children.

The Origin Story Sumin has deep roots in Korean culture, where names hold significant meaning and are often carefully chosen based on the Hanja characters used. Korean names like Sumin are typically two syllables, each represented by a Hanja character, and the choice of characters can slightly vary, giving the name personalized nuances. This flexibility allows families to impart unique wishes or traits onto their children while keeping the beautiful sound of the name intact.

Historical Figures Named Sumin Throughout history, several notable Koreans named Sumin have made their marks: - Yi Sumin, a 16th-century Confucian scholar during the Joseon Dynasty, contributed to Korean literature and philosophy, embodying the intellectual spirit the name suggests. - Kim Sumin, an influential artist in the 20th century, helped pioneer modern Korean art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles. - Park Sumin was a fierce activist in the early 20th century, advocating for Korean independence and women’s rights — a true testament to the strength and sharpness the name conveys. These figures remind us that the name Sumin has long been associated with excellence and intelligence.

Celebrities and Public Figures In modern times, the name continues to shine: - Sumin Lee, a Korean indie singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and unique sound. - Sumin Choi, a celebrated chef bringing innovative Korean dishes to the global culinary scene. - Sumin Park, an actress renowned for her versatility and depth in Korean dramas. These contemporary Sumin’s show how the name transcends fields, from arts to cuisine to entertainment, always linked with talent and charm.

Sumin in Sports The name also enjoys presence in the athletic world: - Kim Sumin, a skilled midfielder for FC Seoul, has led his team to multiple championships. - Lee Sumin, a star archer for South Korea’s national team, is an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder. These athletes embody the sharpness and agility the name implies.

Sumin in Movies and TV Shows Pop culture is another place where Sumin pops up: - In the beloved 2005 drama "My Lovely Sam Soon," Sumin is the lovable friend who adds warmth and humor. - "Secret Garden" (2010) features a character named Sumin known for her kindness and elegance. - In "The King 2 Hearts" (2012), Sumin is portrayed as a royal aide with intelligence and loyalty. Though not always main characters, these Sumin’s add depth and friendliness to their stories — much like the name itself.

Fun Facts and Trivia Did you know that in Korean naming traditions, the same name can be written with different Hanja characters, each giving it a slightly different meaning? For Sumin, this means parents can personalize the name’s significance while keeping its beautiful sound. It’s a way of blending tradition with personal hopes and dreams.

Also, the name Sumin is part of a trend where Korean names are gaining international popularity thanks to the global reach of Korean pop culture, music, and dramas. It's a name that sounds fresh yet rooted, perfect for today’s world.

Modern Usage and Trends In contemporary South Korea, Sumin remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is elegant yet modern. Its unisex nature makes it versatile, and its pleasant phonetics make it easy for non-Koreans to pronounce — a big plus in our increasingly globalized world. I’ve noticed that more parents are appreciating names like Sumin that carry meaningful Hanja roots but also feel accessible and stylish.

Personal Reflections As someone who has spent years diving into names and their stories, I find Sumin to be a name that beautifully captures a balance — the refinement of tradition and the sharpness of modern identity. I recall meeting a young Sumin at a cultural event, whose kindness and quick wit truly embodied the name’s meaning. It’s names like these that remind me why I love exploring this world so much.

Why Choose Sumin? If you’re considering Sumin for your child, you’re choosing a name rich in meaning, culture, and versatility. It’s a name that can grow with your child, fitting them whether they become an artist, a scholar, an athlete, or anything in between. It carries with it wishes for intelligence, grace, and a refined spirit — qualities that can inspire a lifetime.

Conclusion The name Sumin is more than just a label; it’s a story, a heritage, and a hope. It’s a name that resonates with warmth, intelligence, and elegance, fitting beautifully into both the past and the present. Whether you’re drawn to it for its meaning, its sound, or its cultural richness, Sumin is a name that invites admiration and affection.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Sumin. I hope it has given you a deeper appreciation for this wonderful name and perhaps inspired you in your own naming journey. Until next time, keep celebrating the beauty of names and the stories they tell!