What does Reagan mean and where does it come from?
Reagan originates from the Irish surname 'O'Reagáin', meaning 'descendant of Riagán', which translates to 'little king'. It has become popular as a first name in the United States, particularly in the 1980s, influenced by Ronald Reagan's presidency. The name has a unisex quality, though it's more co
Cultural significance
Reagan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of riagán.
Peak popularity
Reached #97 in 2012 — currently #168 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Reagan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Reagan?
Reagan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reagan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reagan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reagan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reagan Claire
French influence · crisp
Reagan Jane
Literary · strong
Reagan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reagan right now?
Declining — down 21 spots — currently #168 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #168 | 1,727 | ▼ down 21 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #147 | 1,988 | ▼ down 21 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #126 | 2,242 | ▼ down 12 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #114 | 2,355 | ▼ down 15 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #99 | 3,055 | ▲ up 28 · +23% births |
| 2010 | #127 | 2,477 | ▲ up 11 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #138 | 2,425 | ▲ up 148 · +114% births |
| 2000 | #286 | 1,131 | ▲ up 290 · +183% births |
| 1995 | #576 | 399 | ▲ up 1098 · +353% births |
| 1990 | #1674 | 88 | ▲ up 210 · +49% births |
| 1985 | #1884 | 59 | ▼ down 961 · -64% births |
| 1980 | #923 | 162 | ▲ up 24 · +21% births |
| 1975 | #947 | 134 | ▲ up 2294 · +570% births |
| 1970 | #3241 | 20 | ▲ up 786 · +82% births |
| 1965 | #4027 | 11 | — |
The story of Reagan
Reagan entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. Its peak popularity was #97 in 2012. A total of 64,371 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4027 in 1965 to #168 in 2023. Reagan is used for both genders: 89% female and 11% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reagan in 2012:
Reagan by decade
Reagan peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 43 | |
| 1920s | 39 | |
| 1930s | 41 | |
| 1940s | 128 | |
| 1950s | 201 | |
| 1960s | 348 | |
| 1970s | 1,256 | |
| 1980s | 1,155 | |
| 1990s | 5,337 | |
| 2000s | 22,399 | |
| 2010s ★ | 30,912 | |
| 2020s | 2,512 | |
What are good nicknames for Reagan?
Common
ReaReagReagieReagyAgan
What names sound and feel like Reagan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reagan also consider these
How is Reagan written in other languages?
Gender variants of Reagan
Common questions about the name Reagan
What does the name Reagan mean?
Reagan means "Descendant of Riagán" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Reagan?
Reagan is currently ranked #168 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Reagan?
Reagan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Reagan?
Reagan is a two-syllable name pronounced R EY1 G AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Reagan more of a girl or boy name?
Reagan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.