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Kim

Kim is a term used as a given name and surname in several cultures, especially as a common Korean family name and as a unisex given name in English-speaking contexts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim is a term used as both a given name and surname in several cultures, most notably as the most common Korean family name and as a unisex given name in English-speaking contexts. In Korea, the surname is written 김 in Hangul and 金 in Hanja, meaning “gold” or “metal.” The word also appears as the title of Rudyard Kipling’s 1901 novel, though that is a separate use.

Etymology and meaning

In Korean, Kim corresponds to the hanja 金, meaning “gold” or “metal.” The name is romanized as Kim in standard English usage, though other transliterations may appear in specific contexts.

Use as a Korean surname

Kim is the most common surname in Korea and is borne by a large portion of the population. It is historically associated with prominent Korean lineages, especially in the Silla period.

Use as a given name

In English and other languages, Kim is used as a unisex given name and as a diminutive of longer names such as Kimberly, Kimberley, Kimball, and Kimiko.

Other uses

Kim is also the title of Rudyard Kipling’s novel *Kim* and can appear in the names of notable individuals, including several South Korean and North Korean leaders whose surnames are Kim.

Key facts

  • Kim is a common surname in Korea and a given name in some English-speaking contexts.
  • The Korean surname Kim is written 김 in Hangul and 金 in Hanja.
  • The surname is associated with a large share of the Korean population.
  • Kim is also used as a short form of names such as Kimberly, Kimberley, Kimball, and Kimiko.
  • The word appears in the title of Rudyard Kipling’s novel *Kim*.
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Canadian context

Kim is relevant in Canada as both a Korean surname and an English given name, and it is common among Korean Canadians and in Canadian public life.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kim a surname or a given name?
Both. It is a very common Korean surname and is also used as a unisex given name in English and some other languages.
What does Kim mean in Korean?
The surname is written 김 and uses the hanja 金, which means “gold” or “metal.”
How common is the surname Kim in Korea?
It is the most common surname in Korea and is held by a substantial share of the population.
Is Kim used for men and women?
Yes. As a given name, Kim is used for both men and women.
Does Kim refer to a book?
Yes. *Kim* is also the title of a novel by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1901.

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kim
    Supports: Lists Kim as a biographical name and includes prominent Korean leaders with the surname Kim.
  2. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/kim
    Supports: Defines Kim as a male or female given name.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kim-pusik
    Supports: Shows Kim as a Korean surname used by historical figures.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/story/why-are-so-many-koreans-named-kim
    Supports: Explains Kim as a common Korean surname and discusses its historical significance.
  5. Wiktionary — https://www.wiktionary.org/wiki/%EA%B9%80
    Supports: Identifies 김 as a Korean surname and notes the Hanja 金 reading.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_(given_name)
    Supports: States that Kim is a unisex given name and diminutive of longer names such as Kimberly and Kimball.
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_(novel)
    Supports: Identifies *Kim* as a novel by Rudyard Kipling.