Seoyeon is a beautiful and unique Korean female given name that combines the hanja characters "서" (seo) meaning "assist" or "help," and "연" (yeon) meaning "lotus flower." Together, they form the name Seoyeon, which can be translated to mean "assisting lotus flower."
The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and beauty in Korean culture, as it grows in muddy waters but produces gorgeous flowers above the surface. This makes Seoyeon an apt name for a girl, as it signifies grace, elegance, and resilience amidst adversity.
Historically, the use of hanja characters to create names was common in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Parents often chose names based on their meanings and the characters' sounds. Thus, Seoyeon could have been given to a daughter born during this period with the hope that she would grow up to be graceful and strong like the lotus flower.
Today, Seoyeon remains a popular choice among Korean parents, with over 30,000 people sharing this name in South Korea alone. Although it has gained international recognition due to its beauty and meaning, Seoyeon is still predominantly used within East Asian communities.
Seoyeon saw 5 newborns enter the world each year from 2013 onwards, making up a total of just 5 babies born with this unique name over that period.