燁

It conveys radiant brilliance, often associated with firelight, glory, or outstanding presence.

A compound ideograph:

火 (fire) — brightness, flame, light

華 (splendid; magnificent) — brilliance, magnificence, flourishing beauty

Together, they form the idea of “fire-like splendor”, i.e. radiance that shines vividly and gloriously.

燁 differs subtly from other “bright” characters:

明 — brightness, clarity

光 — light itself

炎 — flame, heat

焰 — visible flame

燁 — radiant splendor, glorious shining

It often implies prestige, excellence, and brilliance that draws attention.

燁 is extremely common in personal names, especially:

- Korean male given names

- Chinese given names (both male and female)

When a Korean name contains 엽 (Yeop), it is almost always written as 燁.

Connotations in names:

- brilliance

- distinction

- honor

- success

- outstanding talent

The character appears mainly in names and literary descriptions, rather than fixed classical idioms.

Its meaning aligns closely with classical phrases describing brilliance and glory, such as 光燁燁 — “radiant and resplendent”