“Sarah Huuuh? Whooo?” That’s just one of the many jokes I’ve become used to hearing about my last name. I’ve heard them for so long, I’ve almost become immune. While I laugh along to ease the tension, deep down, I’m tired of the quips. But I have found interest in searching the history of my last name and how it’s impacted who I’ve become/who I am.

In Korean culture, Huh was not a common last name. To fit in, I would share my mom’s maiden name, Kim. But my curiosity was piqued when I met a friend with the last name Heo, similar to mine. This sparked a debate over pronunciation and spelling, leading me to research our shared surname. 

In Korean society, there is a stigma associated with sharing the same last name but belonging to different branches. This stigma, rooted in historical rivalries and social hierarchies within the same surname, can lead to prejudices. Dating back to the Silla kingdom, where military prowess and governmental roles prominent, branches like Yangcheon in Seoul and Gimhae in the southeast emerged, Members of these branches held high positions in government, military, and the arts (“Gimhae”).

Curious about my own lineage, I questioned my father, who revealed that our family belonged to the Yangcheon Heo branch. He also shared insights into stereotypes between branches, with Gimhae Heo being perceived as more traditional and conservative, while Yangcheon Heo were seen as progressive, educated and involved in contemporary society (“Gimhae”). This description resonated with my family’s experiences, considering that the majority of my relatives from my dad’s side had immigrated to America and pursued higher education, earning doctorates and PhDs. 

The origin and meaning of “Huh” derives from the Chinese character “許” which means “to permit” or “to promise”(“Huh”). Promises hold significant weight in our family – they are more than mere words; they are the currency of our bonds, exchanged freely and deeply. When we make promises to each other, we commit to upholding the essence of family: to support, protect, and cherish one another. In times of joy, promises affirm our shared happiness, binding us in celebration. When challenges arise, promises become beacons of hope, guiding us through darkness with assurance that we are not alone

Now, I wear my last name with pride, seeing it as a reflection of my family’s values of harmony and empathy. “Huh” has not only connected me to my heritage but also empowered me to embrace my identity with confidence.