미들네임
mideulleim[midɯɭɭe̞im]
The English phrase "middle name" is translated into Korean as 미들네임 (mideulleim).
미들네임 is used specifically when discussing Western naming conventions, as traditional Korean names do not have middle names.
Meaning: name between given name and surname (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a loanword from English, composed of the English words 'middle' and 'name' transliterated into Hangul.
How do you pronounce it?
mideulleim
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful when romanizing Korean given names. Adding a space between the two syllables of a given name can cause the second syllable to be mistaken for a middle name by foreigners.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use a 'middle name' to distinguish themselves, a Korean person might use a 'generation name' or 'dolrimja', which is a shared syllable among siblings and cousins.
- Koreans may use a 'nickname' or a 'style name' called 호 in art and literature, which functions like a second name but is not a 미들네임.
- In some rare cases, Koreans with a 미들네임 due to mixed heritage may find that Korean government systems cannot process the extra name and force them to merge it into their given name.
Examples in context
- 버락 오바마의 미들네임은 후세인이다.Barack Obama's middle name is Hussein.
- 성명을 로마자로 적을 때 성을 제외한 이름을 Gil Dong과 같이 띄어 쓰면 한국 밖에서는 Dong이 미들네임으로 인식되어 생략되기 십상이다. 따라서 성을 제외한 이름은 Gildong과 같이 붙여 써야 한다.If you write your first name with a space like Gil Dong when romanizing your full name, the Dong will be perceived as a middle name and be frequently omitted outside Korea. So you should write your first name like Gildong, without a space.This sentence explains how romanizing a name with a space can lead to the second syllable being perceived as a 미들네임.
- 그는 미들네임이 따로 없다.geuneun mideulneimi ttaro eupda.He does not have a middle name.
Example conversation
Two friends are filling out an English form together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun여기에 미들네임 칸이 있는데 어떡하지?yeogiye mideulneim kanni inneunde eotteokhaji?There is a middle name field here, what should I do?
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈아, 너는 미들네임 없으니까 비워둬.jihu-na, neoneun mideulneim eopseunikka biwoduo.Jihoon, you don't have a middle name, so just leave it blank.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연아, 그럼 너는 뭘 적을 거야?seoyeon-a, geureom neoneun mwol jeogeul geoya?Seoyeon, then what are you going to write?
- 서연 Seo-yeon나는 미들네임이 있어서 적어야 해.naneun mideulneimi isseoseo jeogeoya hae.I have a middle name, so I have to write it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle name” translations and entries 미들네임, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
