Paek

Paek is a transliteration of the Korean surname 백, commonly romanized as Baek in the standard modern system. It also appears as a variant spelling used by some families and in diaspora communities. Paek often reflects older romanization schemes or personal choice in spelling.

The surname 백 is represented by several hanja, most commonly 白 meaning "white" and 百 meaning "hundred." Each hanja character corresponds to a different historical origin, and people with the same hanja may belong to distinct clan lineages (bon-gwi). Because of multiple possible hanja, the same pronunciation can carry different meanings and ancestral backgrounds.

In Korea, 백 is a recognized surname with multiple clan groups distributed across regions. Among Korean communities abroad, the name appears in various spellings, including Baek and Paek, depending on family history and immigration records. The spelling Paek is less common today but remains in use by some individuals and families.

Romanization and naming practice: The Revised Romanization of Korea renders the surname as Baek. Paek, while less standard in contemporary practice, persists as an alternative spelling for some families, often due to historical documents, personal preference, or the influence of earlier romanization systems like McCune–Reischauer.

Notable individuals with the surname Paek or Baek appear across fields such as academia, arts, and public life, reflecting the name’s use in Korean communities worldwide. For related names and background, see Baek (surname) and the study of Korean naming conventions and hanja.