Sung-soo is an alternate transcription of the Korean Hangul 성수 (Seong-su). It is a masculine given name in Korea, derived from a combination of Sino-Korean characters. The first element is usually seong (成), meaning "completed" or "succeeded," or seong (聖), meaning "holy" or "sacred." The second element is su (洙), which refers to a river in China. However, many other hanja character combinations are possible, giving the name various meanings.
Etymology
As with many Korean given names, Sung-soo is composed of two syllables, each represented by a hanja (Chinese character). The most common readings are derived from elements like seong (成) and su (洙). The name can also be written with other characters, such as seong (聖) meaning "holy," allowing for flexibility in the meaning chosen by parents.
History and Popularity
The name Sung-soo (as Seong-su) was the third-most popular name for baby boys in South Korea in 1950 and fell to seventh place in 1960. This period of high popularity reflects traditional Korean naming practices, which often preferred virtue-based or auspicious meanings.
Notable Bearers
The name has been borne by several notable individuals. Kim Seong-su (1891–1955) was a prominent Korean independence activist and educator. In the arts, Kong Seong-su (born 1969), known by the penname Doha Kang, is a popular South Korean manhwa artist. In entertainment, Kim Sung-soo (born 1975) is a well-known South Korean actor, while Kim Sung-su (director) (born 1961) is a film director. In sports, archer Park Sung-soo (born 1970) won an Olympic gold medal in 1992. Other athletes include footballers Kim Seong-soo (born 1992) and Hwang Song-su (born 1987), as well as goalkeeper Park Seong-su (born 1996).
Cultural Significance
Sung-soo exemplifies the Korean onomastic tradition of using Sino-Korean syllables with positive connotations. The availability of multiple hanja combinations allows parents to tailor the meaning, often expressing hopes for success, holiness, or virtue. The name's fluctuations in popularity mirror broader trends in Korean naming culture.
- Meaning: Derived from Sino-Korean characters meaning "completed," "succeeded," or "holy" plus a river name.
- Origin: Korean (Sino-Korean)
- Type: Given name (masculine)
- Usage Regions: South Korea, possibly among ethnic Koreans abroad.