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Reginald

♂ Boy

Pronounced REJ-ih-nuld /ˈrɛdʒ.ɪ.nəld/High

Meaning: Ruler's counsel; wise and powerful; from Germanic Raginald (ragin: counsel, power + wald: ruler)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic name meaning 'ruler's counsel' or 'wise and powerful,' from ragin (counsel) and wald (ruler). Associated with Elton John (born Reginald Dwight) and with the scholarly gravity of Victorian naming.

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Origin HighGermanic, Latin

MeaningRuler's counsel; wise and powerful; from Germanic Raginald (ragin: counsel, power + wald: ruler)

U.S. rank (2025)#1284 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births153 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1962

Total births (all-time)≈ 111,553

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

Reginald is from Germanic Raginald (counsel + ruler), brought to England by the Normans. It was popular in medieval England and the Victorian era and is now firmly vintage.

Reginald ranked #1178 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight and changed his name to Elton John in 1967 — choosing Elton partly from Elton Dean of the Bluesology band and John from Long John Baldry. His original name Reginald thus has an indirect connection to one of popular music's greatest careers.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Reginald — Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ReynaldRenaudRonald

Nicknames

RegReggie

Famous Bearers

★Elton John (Reginald Dwight) (1947–present)
British singer-songwriter born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, known for Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Crocodile Rock.

If you like Reginald…

Archibald— Germanic -ald ending name with the same Scottish dignified quality

Gerald— Germanic -ald ending name from the same era

Donald— Scottish -ald ending name in the same vintage register

Ronald— Germanic -ald ending name with the same classic mid-century feel

Harold— Germanic -ald ending name from the same tradition

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reginald mean?

Reginald means 'ruler's counsel,' from Germanic Raginald (ragin: counsel + wald: ruler).

How do you pronounce Reginald?

It's said REJ-ih-nuld — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Reginald a boy or girl name?

Reginald is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Reginald?

Reginald ranked #1178 for U.S. boys in 2024.