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Home › Baby Names Directory › Regan

Regan

♂ Boy

Pronounced REE-gən /ˈri.ɡən/High

Meaning: From Irish Ó Riagáin — possibly 'little king' or 'impulsive one' — a clan surnameMedium

In 30 seconds: A little king: Regan is the Irish surname — possibly 'little king' — sturdy, spirited, and clan-strong (think President Reagan's roots). Crisp and bold.
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom Irish Ó Riagáin — possibly 'little king' or 'impulsive one' — a clan surname
U.S. rank (2025)#5559 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1979
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,747

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197919202025

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

Regan comes from the Irish surname Ó Riagáin — possibly 'little king' or 'impulsive one' (the meaning is debated, which we note). A sturdy clan name (and Shakespeare's Regan), it's used for both sexes; here for boys.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, little-king at the (likely) root, and bold.

Did you know? Regan comes from Irish Ó Riagáin — often read 'little king' — the same root as the surname Reagan; it's a strong unisex name with royal echoes.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Regan — meaning debated

Variations

ReaganRaganReagen

Nicknames

Reg

Famous Bearers

  • ★Regan MacNeil
    Fictional character from William Peter Blatty's novel and film The Exorcist, one of cinema's most iconic roles
  • ★Regan
    Character in Shakespeare's King Lear, one of Lear's treacherous daughters

If you like Regan…

Reagan— a fellow spelling
Keegan— a companion Irish -gan name
Hogan— another Irish -gan surname
Logan— a fellow -gan name

Explore names like Regan

By themeuncertainsurname-nameirish
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Regan mean?

Regan is from Irish Ó Riagáin, possibly 'little king'; the meaning is debated.

How do you pronounce Regan?

It's said REE-gən /ˈri.ɡən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Regan a boy or girl name?

Regan is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Regan?

Regan is a rare name in the U.S.

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