Hyun is a name of Korean origin, derived from the Korean surname "Hyun." The Hyun family name is one of the most common surnames in Korea, ranking as the fourth most popular among the country's estimated 20 million residents.
The meaning and history behind the name Hyun are quite fascinating. According to Korean traditions, names were often given based on the circumstances surrounding a person's birth or their parents' wishes for their child's future. In the case of Hyun, the surname is said to have originated from the district where its earliest known ancestors resided during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE). The character "Hyun" itself translates to "smooth and even," reflecting the flat terrain of the district that bore this name.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have carried the Hyun surname. Some examples include Hyun Tae-jun, a former Korean football player who represented South Korea at the 1994 FIFA World Cup; Hyun Bin, an acclaimed South Korean actor known for his roles in popular television dramas like "Secret Garden" and "Crash Landing On You"; and Hyun Ki-min, a renowned South Korean pianist who won first prize at the Busoni International Piano Competition in Italy.
While Hyun is primarily a surname, it has also been used as a given name in modern times. Parents may choose this name for their children due to its positive connotations or simply because they like how it sounds. Regardless of whether it's used as a surname or given name, Hyun carries with it a rich history and cultural significance that reflects the vibrant heritage of Korea.
Statistics on the given name Hyun in the United States between 1957 and 1998 show a fluctuating trend with periods of increase followed by decline.
The number of births was consistent during the early years, with five births recorded each year in 1957 and 1968. However, there was an increase to eight births in 1971, indicating that Hyun started gaining some popularity during this period.
There were several years with nine births each between 1974 and 1975, suggesting a brief peak in popularity for the name Hyun around this time. This trend continued with seven births recorded in 1976, followed by six births in 1977.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw an increase in the number of babies named Hyun, with ten births each year from 1979 to 1982. This period witnessed the highest popularity for the name Hyun, with eleven births recorded in 1982.
However, after reaching this peak, the popularity of Hyun began to decline once again. There were only five births recorded each year between 1984 and 1987, indicating a significant drop in the use of the name during these years.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw some fluctuations in popularity for Hyun, with eight births each year from 1988 to 1989, followed by six births in 1991. There was another increase in popularity between 1992 and 1995, with eight, seven, and seven births recorded during these years respectively.
However, the popularity of Hyun started declining once again after reaching a secondary peak in the mid-1990s. Only five births were recorded in 1997, followed by six births in 1998.
In total, there were 168 babies named Hyun born in the United States between 1957 and 1998, as per the statistics provided. While Hyun did experience periods of popularity during this time, its overall usage remained relatively low compared to other names.