Secret Childhood Names of Joseon Dynasty Royalty

The Fragility of Royal Infants

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), infant mortality was exceptionally high, even within the sanitary and highly protected royal palaces. Young princes—the future of the nation—were highly susceptible to infectious diseases. To protect these vulnerable children, the royal court adopted a surprising naming strategy based on spiritual defense.

The Humbler Childhood Name (Amyung)

Before a prince received their grand, formal legal name in Hanja, they were addressed by an "Amyung" (childhood name). To trick the malicious spirits and grim reapers into ignoring the precious royal child, the court deliberately gave them extremely humble, earthy, or even "dirty" names. The belief was that spirits would bypass a child with a low-status name, thinking they were unworthy of stealing.

Famous Royal Childhood Names

- **King Gojong (Je-hwang)**: His childhood name was **"Gae-ddong-ie"** (which literally translates to "Dog Dung"). This humble name was used everyday by his parents to ward off smallpox and invite robust longevity.

- **Crown Prince Sado**: His childhood name was **"Sun-seon-ie"** (pure good), chosen to evoke soft, clean, and gentle spirits to protect him.

- **King Jeongjo (San)**: Addressed by his parents with highly warm, informal nicknames to ground his fiery Saju and protect him from political turbulence in the court.

The Transition to the Formal Name

Once the prince passed the vulnerable years of early childhood (usually around age 5 to 7), the court officials held an elaborate national ceremony called "Gwan-rye" to bestow a formal, highly literary Hanja name selected by the finest state scholars. These formal names carried heavy moral and political aspirations for the state.

Conclusion

The custom of giving humble Amyung to highly precious royal children shows the raw, profound love of parents fighting against invisible smallpox and fate. It highlights how naming in Korea has always been an active spiritual battlefield to preserve precious lives.