What does Minji mean and where does it come from?
Minji (민지) is a popular female name in Korea and is characterized by its meaning related to intelligence and cleverness. The name is often paired with various hanja (Chinese characters used in the Korean language) that can alter its meaning slightly. It is common among younger generations and has ga
Cultural significance
Minji has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Korean-speaking communities, where it reflects values of intelligent, quick, clever.
Peak popularity
Reached #11085 in 1999 — currently #12757 in the US.
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Related Reading
Korean-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Minji?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Minji?
Minji works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Minji Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Minji Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Minji Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Minji Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Minji Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Minji Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Minji right now?
Rising fast — up 1951 spots — currently #12757 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #12757 | 7 | ▲ up 1951 · +17% births |
| 2024 | #14708 | 6 | ▼ down 14076 · -100% births |
| 2023 | #632 | 1,568 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #637 | 1,548 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #642 | 1,518 | ▲ up 17355 · +30260% births |
| 2010 | #17997 | 5 | ▼ down 351 |
| 2005 | #17646 | 5 | — |
The story of Minji
Minji is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1992. With 45 total births recorded, Minji remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #17646 in 2005 to #632 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Minji in 1999:
Minji by decade
Minji peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 13 | |
| 2000s ★ | 22 | |
| 2010s | 10 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎Minji has only 45 total recorded births since 1992 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Minji?
What names sound and feel like Minji?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Minji also consider these
Common questions about the name Minji
What does the name Minji mean?
Minji means "Intelligent, Quick, Clever" — a name rooted in Korean tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Minji?
Minji is currently ranked #632 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Minji?
Minji originates from Korean tradition. Korean names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Minji?
Minji is a two-syllable name pronounced MINJ-EE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What are good nicknames for Minji?
Minji naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.