Ragan Unisex

Popularity: #942 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: RAY-gun //ˈreɪɡən//

Origin: Irish; English

Meaning: Irish: descendant of the king; English: little ruler

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ragan has its roots in the Old Irish name "Raghnall," which is derived from the elements "ragh" meaning "advice" or "counsel" and "nall" meaning "valiant" or "powerful." This name evolved through various linguistic transformations, passing into Middle English and eventually becoming Ragan in modern English usage. The transition reflects a broader pattern of name evolution in the British Isles, where names were often adapted to fit the phonetic and orthographic norms of the English language over centuries.

Historically, the name Ragan has been associated with notable figures in Irish history, particularly during the medieval period when names derived from Gaelic were prevalent. The name's connection to leadership and strength is significant, as it was often borne by individuals in positions of authority or influence.

While specific historical milestones directly tied to the name Ragan are less documented, the broader cultural context of Gaelic names in Ireland during the 5th to 12th centuries highlights a time when names were imbued with meaning related to personal attributes or familial lineage. Culturally, the name Ragan resonates with themes of strength and wisdom, reflecting the values of the societies from which it originated.

It is often associated with the tradition of storytelling and oral history in Irish culture, where names carried significant weight and were often linked to the traits admired in leaders and warriors. The diminutive form "Rae" has also emerged in various contexts, though its use is more modern.

Overall, Ragan encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, embodying the qualities of counsel and valor that were esteemed in its early bearers.

Famous people named Ragan

In this section, you will find notable people named Ragan. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Ragan who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Ragan who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Ragan Smith is a gymnast best known for her performances at the World Championships and the U.S. National Championships.

Ragan McKinney is a singer-songwriter best known for her work in country music and her debut album.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Ragan, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

MeganKeganTeaganAidanSaoirseNiamh

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Ragan. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

RavenReganRaeganRainaRheaRina

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ragan was first seen in the United States in 1923.

Ragan has ranked as high as #3049 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

In the past 5 years the name Ragan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Ragan is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Ragan was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Ragan.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 6 0 6
2024 7 0 7
2023 7 0 7
2022 13 0 13
2021 22 7 15
2020 7 0 7
2019 15 5 10
2018 16 0 16
2017 22 6 16
2016 17 0 17
2015 16 0 16
2014 24 8 16
2013 30 0 30
2012 25 6 19
2011 33 9 24
2010 35 9 26
2009 52 10 42
2008 51 0 51
2007 74 12 62
2006 53 5 48
2005 59 5 54
2004 59 5 54
2003 82 10 72
2002 65 0 65
2001 73 7 66
2000 80 7 73
1999 79 8 71
1998 89 11 78
1997 67 8 59
1996 65 13 52
1995 50 5 45
1994 51 10 41
1993 37 8 29
1992 34 6 28
1991 37 6 31
1990 35 6 29
1989 17 0 17
1988 22 9 13
1987 17 0 17
1986 12 0 12
1985 22 5 17
1984 37 9 28
1983 22 7 15
1982 20 5 15
1981 33 0 33
1980 61 8 53
1979 43 12 31
1978 52 14 38
1977 57 12 45
1976 56 11 45
1975 58 13 45
1974 41 8 33
1973 9 0 9
1972 12 7 5
1970 6 0 6
1969 7 0 7
1968 13 6 7
1967 19 7 12
1966 26 8 18
1965 27 14 13
1964 37 5 32
1963 19 14 5
1962 10 10 0
1960 7 7 0
1954 5 5 0
1923 6 6 0

Top States for Ragan (2009)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
GA 9
60%
NC 6
40%