Ji-ho

Ji-ho (also spelled Chi-ho or Jie-ho) is a Korean given name popular for both genders, though it was the eighth-most popular name for newborn boys in South Korea in 2015, with 2,095 boys given the name.

Etymology

Ji-ho is typically formed from Sino-Korean elements. The first syllable, Ji (지), often uses the hanja 智 (ji) meaning "wisdom, intellect." The second syllable, ho (호), can come from 鎬 (ho) meaning "stove, bright" or 昊 (ho) meaning "summer, sky, heaven." Other hanja combinations are also possible, allowing for varied meanings depending on parental choice.

Notable Bearers

Several South Korean entertainers bear the name Ji-ho. Actresses include Kim Ji-ho (born 1974) and Choi Ji-ho (born 1980); actors include Oh Ji-ho (born 1976), Shim Ji-ho (born 1981), and Song Ji-ho (born 1992). Rapper Zico (born Woo Ji-ho, 1992) is a member of the boy group Block B. In sports, there are footballers Park Ji-ho (born 1970), Cha Ji-ho (born 1983), Ahn Ji-ho (born 1987), and Han Ji-ho (born 1988), as well as diver Park Ji-ho (born 1991). Politician Shin Ji-ho (born 1963) and American filmmaker Jieho Lee (born 1973) also share the name.

Cultural Significance

Ji-ho embodies core virtues in Korean culture—wisdom and brightness—making it a meaningful and enduring choice. Its popularity reflects modern Korean naming trends: composed-mono or disyllabic given names formed from common Chinese characters, often conveying positive traits or natural imagery.

• Meaning: "wisdom" (ji) and "bright/stove" or "summer/sky/heaven" (ho)
• Origin: Korean
• Type: Unisex given name
• Usage Regions: South Korea