Seong-won

Seong-won (also spelled Sung-won) is a Korean unisex given name. Its meaning derives from Sino-Korean characters: it commonly combines 成 (seong) meaning "completed, finished, succeeded" with 元 (won) meaning "first, origin" or 源 (won) meaning "source, origin". However, as is common in Korean naming practice, other hanja combinations with similar sounds may also be used to form this name.

Etymology and Cultural Context

The first element seong (성) is a common element in Korean names, often signifying achievement. The second element won (원) frequently appears in names, suggesting beginnings or origins. The combination embodies a positive wish for success and leadership.

Notable Bearers

Historical and contemporary figures bearing the name Seong-won or its variant Sung-won include:

• Yu Sŏngwŏn (died 1456), a Joseon Dynasty scholar-official
• Hong Sung-won (born 1937), South Korean writer
• Sung Won Sohn (born 1944), South Korean-born American economist
• Oh Sung-won (born 1972), South Korean musical theatre actor
• Choi Sung-won (born 1977), South Korean billiards player
• Hwang Geum-hee (born 1977), South Korean actress formerly known by the stage name Ji Sung-won
• Choi Sung-won (actor) (born 1985), South Korean actor
• SungWon Cho (born 1990), Korean-American actor and YouTuber
• Sung-Won Yang, 21st-century South Korean cellist

Related Forms and Usage

The same name can be written with various hanja combinations, and the romanization may appear as Seong-won (using Revised Romanization) or Sung-won (using McCune–Reischauer or older systems). It remains a culturally meaningful and currently used name in South Korea.

• Meaning: "completed, first/origin/source"
• Origin: Sino-Korean
• Type: Given name
• Usage Regions: South Korea