Minji is a feminine given name of Korean origin. It is composed of two parts: "min" which means intelligent or bright, and "ji" which signifies joy or happiness. Therefore, the name Minji as a whole conveys the meaning of 'bright happiness' or 'intelligent joy'. This name has been popular among Koreans for centuries and continues to be widely used today.
The earliest known record of the name Minji dates back to the Three Kingdoms period in ancient Korea (57 BCE - 668 CE). During this time, a woman named Minji was renowned for her wisdom and kindness. She became a folk heroine among Koreans and has since inspired generations of parents to bestow their daughters with this name.
Minji is also mentioned in some traditional Korean folktales and legends, further solidifying its place in the country's cultural heritage. In one popular story, Minji is depicted as a brave young woman who saves her village from a menacing dragon, showcasing the qualities of intelligence and courage associated with the name.
In recent years, the name Minji has gained international recognition due to its use by celebrities such as Minji Ko, a South Korean singer-songwriter, and Minji Lee, a renowned ballet dancer. However, despite its growing popularity worldwide, Minji remains deeply rooted in Korean culture and history. Parents who choose this name often do so because of its positive connotations and rich heritage.
The statistics regarding the name Minji in the United States show a relatively stable number of births over the years, with slight fluctuations from year to year. Between 1992 and 2012, there were a total of 45 babies named Minji born in the United States.
The earliest recorded birth was in 1992, with only 5 babies named Minji that year. The number of births peaked at 8 in 1999 before dropping slightly to 6 in 2002. After a brief dip to 5 births each in 2005 and 2007, the number of babies named Minji rose again to 5 births per year between 2008 and 2012.
Despite some variation in the annual number of births, the name Minji has consistently been chosen by parents in the United States over these years. This indicates that it is a popular and enduring choice for baby girls' names during this period. Additionally, with a total of 45 births over two decades, Minji can be considered a relatively common name in the United States.