Find out how popular the first name Regan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Regan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Regan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 86% of people named Regan being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 77 female babies and 30 male babies born with the name Regan.

The history of the first name Regan

The name Regan has its roots in the Irish Gaelic language, originating from the word "Rioghan," which means "queen" or "royal." This name first emerged in the medieval period, specifically in Ireland, where it was associated with sovereignty and regal authority.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Regan can be found in the Irish Annals, which document historical events from the 5th to the 16th century. These annals mention several individuals bearing the name, indicating its widespread use among the Irish nobility and ruling families during that era.

In the realm of mythology, the name Regan holds significance as it was borne by one of the three daughters of King Lear in the legendary tales from ancient Britain. This literary reference can be traced back to the famous play "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, which was written in the early 17th century.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Regan. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Regan, the daughter of the 7th-century Irish king Aillil mac Dunlang. Another prominent bearer was Regan of Howth, a 12th-century Irish noblewoman who played a pivotal role in the Norman invasion of Ireland.

In the 16th century, Regan Mor O'Rahilly was a renowned Irish poet and scholar, known for his contributions to the preservation of the Gaelic language and culture. His works were highly celebrated during his lifetime and continue to be studied by scholars today.

Moving forward to the 20th century, Regan Grimes was an American professional baseball player who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1920s. He was a versatile athlete and is remembered for his impressive batting skills.

Another notable figure was Regan MacNeil, the name of the character played by Ellen Burstyn in the iconic 1973 horror film "The Exorcist." While a fictional character, the name gained widespread recognition and popularity due to the film's cultural impact.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Regan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Regan, please contact us.

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