Kim
/kɪm/noun
A common given name or surname of Korean origin.
Did you know?In Korean, 'Kim' can mean 'gold', symbolizing wealth and prosperity, which is often associated with luck and fortune in various cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Korean
Proto-Korean
*kɨm
“An ancestral term likely related to 'gold', revered for its value and significance.”
Old Korean
Old Korean
김 (gim)
“Refers specifically to a family name and also denotes a type of seaweed, linking it to nourishment and wealth.”
Modern Korean
Modern Korean
김 (kim)
“A common surname, symbolizing a lineage associated with prosperity.”
21st Century
English
Kim
“Adopted into English as a popular name and surname, maintaining its cultural significance.”