Reg

♂ Boy

Pronounced REJ /ˈrɛdʒ/Medium

Meaning: Reg is a short form of Reginald, from the Latinized Germanic Reginald, joining ragin, counsel, with wald, power or ruler. It is the classic British clipped form of the fuller name.Low

In 30 seconds: Reg is a short form of Reginald, from a Germanic name meaning counsel and power. It was never common as a full name in the US (said REJ).

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Origin LowEnglish, Germanic

MeaningReg is a short form of Reginald, from the Latinized Germanic Reginald, joining ragin, counsel, with wald, power or ruler. It is the classic British clipped form of the fuller name.

U.S. rank (1979)#6844 ↘ Falling

1979 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 209

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

Reg is the brisk short form of Reginald, whose Germanic roots join counsel with the power of a ruler. Long the everyday British handle for Reginald, it was set down now and then as a full American first name, keeping that clipped, friendly character.

As a stand-alone name it had modest mid-century use, cresting in the late nineteen-fifties. Given to only about twenty boys a year, a Reg from that peak is now in his sixties.

Did you know? Reg was a staple British nickname for Reginald in the early twentieth century, worn by many a music-hall, sporting and everyday figure.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Reg — Short form of Reginald (Germanic, counsel + power/ruler)

Variations

ReginaldReggieReginold

Nicknames

ReggieReg

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Reg…

Reginald— the full name this shortens

Reggie— a like affectionate form

Rex— a similar short British boy's name

Cyril— shares the vintage British feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reg mean?

It is a short form of Reginald, from a Germanic name meaning counsel and power, ruler.

How do you pronounce Reg?

It is said REJ /ˈrɛdʒ/, a single syllable rhyming with edge.

Is Reg a boy or girl name?

Reg is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Reg?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about twenty boys a year at its peak in the late nineteen-fifties.