Reagan is a unisex name of Irish origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The name means “little king” and is derived from the Irish surname O’Riagáin. It was originally a surname and later became a given name, often used for boys but increasingly popular for girls as well.
The O’Riagáin family was a powerful sixth-century family that played an important role in defending Ireland against Viking invasions. The name Reagan has a royal connotation, which has made it a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both unique and meaningful. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Reagan, its popularity, variations, and famous people who bear the name.
Key Takeaways
- Reagan is a unisex name of Irish origin that means “little king.”
- The name became popular as a given name and is now used for both boys and girls.
- Reagan has a royal connotation and has been a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name.
Origin of Reagan
Reagan is an Irish surname that has been used as a given name since the 20th century. The name is derived from the Irish language word “riagan,” which means “little king.” The name was originally used as a surname and was Anglicized from the Gaelic “O’Riagáin,” which means “descendant of Riagán.”
The O’Riagáin family was influential in Ireland during the 6th century. They were known for their leadership and were often referred to as “kings” or “chieftains.” The name Reagan is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word “ri,” which means “sovereign” or “king,” and the diminutive “-in,” which means “little.”
The name Reagan has become a popular unisex name in the United States. It was first used as a given name for boys, but it has since become a popular name for girls as well. The name gained popularity in the 1980s when Ronald Reagan was elected as the 40th President of the United States.
Many Irish surnames, including Reagan, were Anglicized after Britain colonized Ireland in the 17th century. The name came to America when many of the O’Regan families immigrated because of poverty and famine in Ireland.
Overall, the name Reagan has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Irish culture. Its popularity as a given name in the United States is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Meaning of Reagan
Reagan is a unisex name of Irish origin that means “little king” or “little ruler.” It is derived from the Irish surname O’Riagáin, which means “descendant of Riagán.” The name has been given to leaders, both men and women, who have a strong drive to succeed.
Although the name Reagan is traditionally a boy’s name, it has become increasingly popular as a girl’s name in recent years. The name has a regal and royal sound to it, which makes it a popular choice for parents who want a strong and powerful name for their child.
The name Reagan has several variations, including Raegan, Regan, Ragan, and Reghan. It is also sometimes spelled as Raygan or Reegan.
The table below shows the popularity of the name Reagan over the years, according to the Social Security Administration:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 99 |
| 2019 | 99 |
| 2018 | 99 |
| 2017 | 99 |
| 2016 | 97 |
Overall, the name Reagan has been steadily increasing in popularity over the years. It is a name that is both strong and feminine, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and powerful.
Popularity of Reagan
Reagan is a popular name in the United States, and it has been rising in popularity in recent years. It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to girls. The name was ranked as the 97th most popular name for girls in 2022, according to the Social Security Administration.
Reagan’s popularity can be attributed to its strong and modern sound, as well as its association with former US President Ronald Reagan. The name has been used for many fictional characters in popular culture, including in books, TV shows, and movies.
According to the search results, Reagan was searched for most often in the following states:
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
It is interesting to note that these states are some of the most populous states in the US, which may contribute to the name’s popularity.
Overall, Reagan is a popular and modern name that has gained popularity in recent years. It has a strong sound and is associated with a former US President, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and unique name for their child.
Reagan in Pop Culture
Reagan has been a popular name in the United States for decades, and it’s no surprise that it has made its way into pop culture. Here are some examples of Reagan’s appearances in movies, TV shows, and more.
-
Ronald Reagan: The most famous person with the name Reagan is undoubtedly Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. He served two terms from 1981 to 1989 and is remembered for his conservative policies and charisma. Reagan is often portrayed in movies and TV shows, with actors such as James Brolin and Alan Rickman playing him on screen.
-
The Exorcist: In the classic horror movie The Exorcist, one of the main characters is an actress named Chris MacNeil, played by Ellen Burstyn. Her daughter, Regan, is possessed by a demon, and the name has become synonymous with creepy and unsettling things ever since.
-
King of the Hill: In the popular animated TV show King of the Hill, one of the main characters is a boy named Bobby Hill. Bobby’s friend, Joseph Gribble, has a crush on a girl named Regan, and the two of them have a sweet and innocent romance throughout the series.
-
Other appearances: The name Reagan has also appeared in various other movies, TV shows, and books over the years. It has been used for characters ranging from detectives to cheerleaders to aliens, and it always adds a touch of uniqueness and personality to the story.
Overall, Reagan is a name that has made its mark on pop culture and will continue to do so for years to come. Whether you associate it with politics, horror movies, or sweet romances, there’s no denying that it’s a name with a lot of character and charm.
Famous People Named Reagan
The name Reagan has been popularized by several famous people who have carried the name. Here are some of the most notable ones:
-
Ronald Reagan: He was the 40th President of the United States and served from 1981 to 1989. He was a popular actor before entering politics and was known for his conservative policies and strong leadership.
-
Reagan Gomez-Preston: She is an American actress and voice actress who has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including “The Parent ‘Hood,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” and “Jerry Maguire.”
-
Reagan Strange: She is an American singer who gained fame as a contestant on the 15th season of “The Voice” in 2018. She was only 13 years old at the time and was the youngest contestant on the show.
-
Reagan Foxx: She is an American adult film actress who has appeared in over 200 films since entering the industry in 2016.
-
Reagan Dale Neis: She is an American actress and producer who is best known for her work on the TV series “The O.C.” and “Entourage.”
-
Reagan Pasternak: She is a Canadian actress who has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including “Being Erica,” “The Kennedys,” and “The Listener.”
These are just a few of the many famous people who have carried the name Reagan. It is a popular name that has been used by both boys and girls, and its popularity continues to grow.
Variations of Reagan
Reagan is a name with many variations. Here are some of the most popular:
- Raegan (Irish)
- Regan (Irish)
- Ragan (Gaelic)
- Reghan (Gaelic)
These variations all stem from the original Irish surname Ó Ríagáin, which means “descendant of Riagán”. The name Riagán itself means “little king” in Gaelic.
The most common spelling of the name is Reagan, but the other variations are also used and can add a unique twist to the name.
In terms of pronunciation, Reagan can be pronounced as “ray-gen” or “ree-gen”.
Many parents choose to use a nickname for their child with the name Reagan. Some popular options include Rae, Regs, Rae Rae, Reags, and Oreagano.
Overall, the variations of Reagan provide a range of options for parents looking for a name that is both unique and meaningful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Reagan has an Irish origin and means “little king”. It was originally a surname and the Anglicized form of Ó Ríagáin, meaning “descendant of Riagán”. The name’s popularity has increased in recent years, making it a popular unisex name.
Reagan is undoubtedly a fantastic name, with a hidden air of royalty. It is an obvious presidential pick, on-par with Madison, Kennedy, and McKinley. The name’s meaning and origin make it a great choice for parents looking for a strong and unique name for their child.
Overall, the name Reagan has a rich history and meaning, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents around the world. Whether you choose it for its Irish roots, its presidential associations, or simply because you love the sound of it, Reagan is a name that is sure to stand out and make a statement.