What does Regan mean and where does it come from?
Regan has Irish roots, originating as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic ‘O Riagáin’, meaning 'descendant of Riagán'. The name has become popular in various English-speaking countries, especially in the United States. It is also notably represented in William Shakespeare's tragedy 'King Lear', where R
Cultural significance
Regan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of riagán, meaning 'little king'.
Peak popularity
Reached #391 in 2001 — currently #2369 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Regan?
Regan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Regan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Regan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Regan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Regan Claire
French influence · crisp
Regan Jane
Literary · strong
Regan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Regan right now?
Falling — down 640 spots — currently #2369 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2369 | 77 | ▼ down 640 · -36% births |
| 2022 | #1729 | 121 | ▲ up 17 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1746 | 118 | ▼ down 34 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #1712 | 117 | ▼ down 695 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #1017 | 262 | ▼ down 294 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #723 | 390 | ▼ down 257 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #466 | 653 | ▲ up 3 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #469 | 592 | ▲ up 109 · +49% births |
| 1995 | #578 | 397 | ▲ up 513 · +145% births |
| 1990 | #1091 | 162 | ▲ up 202 · +56% births |
| 1985 | #1293 | 104 | ▼ down 640 · -63% births |
| 1980 | #653 | 281 | ▲ up 30 · +28% births |
| 1975 | #683 | 220 | ▲ up 1568 · +529% births |
| 1970 | #2251 | 35 | ▼ down 587 · -24% births |
| 1965 | #1664 | 46 | — |
The story of Regan
Regan entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. A total of 19,449 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3004 in 1950 to #2369 in 2023. Regan is used for both genders: 81% female and 19% male.
Names that peaked alongside Regan in 2001:
Regan by decade
Regan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 115 | |
| 1950s | 474 | |
| 1960s | 942 | |
| 1970s | 1,944 | |
| 1980s | 1,656 | |
| 1990s | 4,482 | |
| 2000s ★ | 6,696 | |
| 2010s | 2,991 | |
| 2020s | 144 | |
What are good nicknames for Regan?
What names sound and feel like Regan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Regan also consider these
How is Regan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Regan
What does the name Regan mean?
Regan means "Descendant of Riagán, meaning 'little king'" — 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 Regan?
Regan is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Regan?
Regan 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.
Is Regan a common or rare name?
Regan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Regan more of a girl or boy name?
Regan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.