Geon-u

Geon-u is a Korean masculine given name, also spelled Keon-woo, Gun-woo, or Kun-wood. It was the sixth-most popular name for baby boys born in South Korea in 2008, with 1,722 boys given the name.

Etymology and Meaning

The meaning of Geon-u originates from Sino-Korean hanja characters. The most common combinations include geon (建) meaning "build, establish" from the element geon, paired with u (宇) meaning "house, universe" from u, or u (雨) meaning "rain" from the element u-2. Other hanja combinations can also form this name.

Notable Bearers

• Cho Gun-woo (born 1988), South Korean badminton player
• Kim Kun-woo (born 1980), South Korean track and field athlete
• Kim Kwon (born Kim Keon-woo, 1989), South Korean actor
• Lee Keon-u (born 2000), South Korean bobsledder
• Lee Gil-woo (born 1989), South Korean singer and actor, member of boy band Myname
• Kun-Woo Paik (born 1946), South Korean pianist
• Park Geon-woo (born 1981), South Korean Olympic sailing team member
• Park Keon-woo (born 1991), South Korean track cyclist

Variants

Geon-u has several romanized variants, including Gun-woo and Kun-woo, which reflect different transliteration systems. The spelling Geon-u and Keon-woo are common uses of the Revised Romanization of Korean.

Cultural Significance

In Korean naming tradition, the meaning of a name is derived from the combined meanings of its constituent hanja characters. Names like Gun-woo and Kun-woo often reflect virtuous aspirations such as establishing a great house or bringing rain, symbolizing abundance and renewal.

Key Facts

• Meaning: “build, establish” + “universe” or “rain”
• Origin: Sino-Korean
• Type: Given name
• Usage regions: South Korea
• Popularity: Sixth-most popular name for boys in 2008