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A Child, Three Names: Asia’s Tradition of Ephemeral Identities
In South Korea and China, a child can have up to three different names before adulthood. The first, called a 'milk name' (아명 in Korean, 乳名 in Chinese), is often chosen to ward off evil spirits or describe a physical trait—like 'Little Chubby' or 'Long Nose'. This temporary name is usually kept secret outside the family.
In South Korea, the practice goes further: the child may also receive a 'school name', used only during education, before adopting a definitive name, sometimes chosen only on their wedding day. A tradition that reflects a flexible view of identity, where a name evolves with life’s milestones.
Today, this custom persists mainly in South Korea, where some parents still give their child a milk name, as a first ephemeral identity before the next ones.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
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