Regan Unisex

Popularity: #868 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: REE-gan //ˈriːɡən//

Origin: Irish; English

Meaning: Irish: 'little ruler'; English: 'descendant of Riagán'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Regan has its roots in the Old Irish name "Ríoghan," which translates to "little king" or "descendant of the king." This name is derived from the elements "rí," meaning "king," and the diminutive suffix "-an." The transition of Regan into English can be traced through the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where many Irish names were adapted into Anglo-Norman forms, eventually leading to the modern English usage of Regan. Historically, the name Regan is associated with various figures in Irish mythology and literature.

One notable reference is in Shakespeare's play "King Lear," written in the early 17th century, where Regan is one of King Lear's daughters. This portrayal has contributed to the name's literary significance and its association with themes of power and betrayal.

The name also appears in historical texts, reflecting its use among nobility and its connection to leadership. Culturally, Regan has been linked to notions of strength and authority due to its meaning and historical associations.

The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often symbolizing resilience and nobility. Additionally, the diminutive form "Ríoghan" remains popular in Irish contexts, preserving the name's heritage and connection to its royal connotations.

Overall, Regan embodies a rich linguistic and cultural history that reflects its noble origins and enduring significance.

Famous people named Regan

In this section, you will find notable people named Regan. 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 Regan who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Regan 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.

Regan Smith is a professional swimmer best known for competing in the Olympics and winning multiple national championships.

Regan R. McCook is a notable author best known for his works in the field of literature and fiction.

Fictional characters named Regan

The following list of fictional characters named Regan is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Regan MacNeil is a fictional character from the novel and film The Exorcist. She is a young girl who becomes possessed by a demonic entity, leading to a harrowing battle between good and evil.

Sibling suggestions

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

RonanReginaRileyRebeccaRheaRory

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Regan. 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.

ReaganRhiannonRavenRheaRinaRomyRosaRuth

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Regan was first seen in the United States in 1920.

Regan has ranked as high as #703 nationally, which occurred in 2001, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

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

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Regan 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 Regan 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 Regan.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 97 17 80
2024 105 27 78
2023 107 30 77
2022 143 22 121
2021 147 29 118
2020 145 28 117
2019 182 35 147
2018 197 37 160
2017 245 56 189
2016 262 46 216
2015 312 50 262
2014 290 52 238
2013 339 45 294
2012 385 58 327
2011 338 61 277
2010 444 54 390
2009 461 60 401
2008 514 73 441
2007 639 81 558
2006 579 61 518
2005 711 58 653
2004 790 64 726
2003 724 55 669
2002 798 61 737
2001 810 63 747
2000 671 79 592
1999 670 59 611
1998 672 57 615
1997 639 75 564
1996 541 54 487
1995 449 52 397
1994 433 68 365
1993 349 64 285
1992 262 42 220
1991 254 49 205
1990 213 50 163
1989 182 45 137
1988 151 35 116
1987 136 39 97
1986 124 23 101
1985 137 33 104
1984 150 30 120
1983 117 29 88
1982 114 32 82
1981 184 37 147
1980 361 80 281
1979 301 89 212
1978 267 78 189
1977 252 57 195
1976 218 49 169
1975 296 76 220
1974 225 37 188
1973 152 43 109
1972 101 29 72
1971 65 30 35
1970 67 31 36
1969 77 38 39
1968 57 27 30
1967 82 40 42
1966 123 76 47
1965 121 75 46
1964 135 85 50
1963 104 60 44
1962 85 54 31
1961 86 69 17
1960 72 59 13
1959 55 36 19
1958 45 29 16
1957 39 23 16
1956 61 37 24
1955 46 26 20
1954 44 29 15
1953 53 40 13
1952 47 30 17
1951 42 32 10
1950 42 29 13
1949 40 27 13
1948 31 18 13
1947 30 20 10
1946 14 8 6
1920 5 5 0

Top States for Regan (2024)

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
TX 12
50%
OH 7
29%
FL 5
21%