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 #632 in the US.
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Related Reading
Korean-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Minji Rose
Floral · soft ending
Minji Mae
Sweet · timeless
Minji Claire
French influence · crisp
Minji Jane
Literary · strong
Minji Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Minji right now?
Holding steady — currently #632 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 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 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 M IH1 N JH IY1. 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.