Ragan

♀ Girl

Pronounced RAY-gun /ˈreɪ.ɡən/Medium

Meaning: A variant spelling of Regan/Reagan, from the Irish surname O Riagain, tied to a root often glossed 'little king' (or 'impulsive'). Shakespeare used Regan in King Lear; the modern American girls' name follows the surname route.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname turned girls' name: Ragan traces to 'little king' (said 'RAY-gun'). One of several spellings, which we note.

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Origin LowIrish, English

MeaningA variant spelling of Regan/Reagan, from the Irish surname O Riagain, tied to a root often glossed 'little king' (or 'impulsive'). Shakespeare used Regan in King Lear; the modern American girls' name follows the surname route.

U.S. rank (2024)#13101 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,860

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ragan is one of several spellings of Regan/Reagan, from the Irish surname O Riagain, usually glossed 'little king'. The name traveled from surname to given name in America, and Shakespeare's King Lear gave the Regan spelling an older literary life. Routes among the spellings are blurred, which we note (said 'RAY-gun').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S., behind Reagan and Regan. Rare, Irish-rooted, and crisp.

Did you know? Regan appears in Shakespeare's King Lear as one of the king's daughters — a very different note from the modern, breezy American Ragan.

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Ragan — Variant of Regan/Reagan; Irish O Riagain; Shakespeare's King Lear

Variations

ReganReaganRaegan

Nicknames

RaeReggieGan

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ragan…

Reagan— the main spelling of the name

Regan— the older literary spelling

Teagan— a like Irish-rooted rhyme

Rylan— a similarly popular pick

Raylan— another English name

Explore names like Ragan

By themeuncertain irish surname variant

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ragan mean?

Ragan is a spelling of Regan/Reagan, from the Irish surname O Riagain, often glossed 'little king'.

How do you pronounce Ragan?

It's said RAY-gun /ˈreɪ.ɡən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ragan a boy or girl name?

Ragan is used mainly for girls in the U.S., though the Reagan family of names is unisex, which we note.

How popular is Ragan?

Ragan is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.