Origin and Meaning of So

A name that can carry various meanings depending on the cultural context.

Origin: Korean - In Korean, 'So' (소) can be derived from various Hanja characters, each with different meanings such as 'smaller,' 'to laugh,' or 'to revive.' As a given name, the specific meaning is determined by the Hanja used.

• In Korean culture, names often carry significant meanings derived from the Hanja characters chosen by the parents, making its significance deeply personal.
• The name So can also be found in other cultures with different meanings; for instance, in Vietnamese, 'So' can refer to the name of a type of plant.
• Notable people with the name include So Ji-sub, a popular South Korean actor, and So Hyang, a renowned singer in South Korea, showcasing the name's use in the entertainment industry.
• The name So is relatively uncommon as a standalone name in many Western countries, but it sees more usage in Korea and among those of Korean descent.
• Related names may include variations and compound names that utilize 'So' as a part, such as So-young or So-hee, which can cultivate different meanings based on additional characters.