Jakinyeongsa
작명영사 (作名領事) / 작명사
A professional Korean name consultant who specializes in creating auspicious names based on saju analysis, ohaeng balance, hanja selection, and traditional naming principles.
A jakinyeongsa (작명영사 or more commonly 작명사) is a professional name consultant in Korean culture who combines knowledge of Eastern philosophy, hanja scholarship, and traditional divination to create names for newborns, businesses, and individuals seeking name changes. The term literally means 'name-creating master,' and these practitioners occupy a respected niche in Korean society, bridging ancient naming traditions with contemporary cultural expectations.
Expertise and Training
A qualified jakinyeongsa typically possesses deep knowledge in several areas: saju (Four Pillars) analysis, ohaeng (Five Elements) theory, hanja character meanings and stroke-count numerology, and the Cheonjiin (Heaven-Earth-Human) naming philosophy. Many have studied under established masters or attended specialized academies. While there is no government-issued license for naming consultants in South Korea, several private associations offer certification programs. The most respected practitioners have years of experience and a reputation built through word-of-mouth referrals. Their expertise extends beyond mere character selection — they consider how a name sounds when spoken, how it looks when written in both Hangul and hanja, and whether it avoids homophonic conflicts with undesirable words.
Modern Practice
The jakinyeongsa profession has adapted to the digital age. Many consultants now offer online consultations via video call, and numerous websites and mobile apps provide automated naming suggestions based on algorithmic saju analysis. However, personalized consultations with experienced practitioners remain highly valued, especially for firstborn children. A typical consultation involves the parents providing the child's exact birth date and time, after which the jakinyeongsa prepares a detailed report with several name options, each accompanied by an explanation of the characters chosen and their elemental significance. Some jakinyeongsa also offer services for renaming adults, naming businesses, and selecting auspicious dates for important events.