Namu

Namu is a term used in different contexts, most notably as a common noun in Korean and as the name of a famous captive killer whale in 1960s popular culture. The word ni namu, written in Korean as 나무, means “tree.” It appears in everyday language, literature, and place names, reflecting its status as a basic element of the Korean lexicon.

In English-language media, the best-known use of the name is Namu, the Killer Whale, a 1966 film inspired by a real whale that was captured in the mid-1960s and exhibited for public audiences. The documentary-style production and its accompanying publicity helped popularize public interests in orcas and captive wildlife, shaping perceptions of these animals in popular culture for years to come.

Beyond these uses, Namu has no single universally recognized meaning in English, and references to it can vary by context. When encountered in text, its interpretation typically depends on whether it is intended as a Korean noun, a personal or place name, or the name of the whale and film associated with 1960s media. In summary, Namu signifies both a basic Korean word for “tree” and a historic cultural reference tied to a notable killer whale.