Regan

Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision. The name Regan carries a rich history and a contemporary appeal. This article delves into the popularity of the name Regan, its origins, meaning, and variations, offering a comprehensive overview for parents considering this beautiful name. So, is Regan the right choice for your little one? Let’s explore.

Regan Name Popularity

How popular is the name Regan? Here’s everything we know about the name’s prevalence and trends over the years. The provided data offers a fascinating look at the name’s usage in the United States, tracking its rank and the number of births attributed to the name.

Looking at the historical data, Regan was virtually absent from the charts for the first half of the 20th century. From 1910 to 1948, the name recorded no births. It wasn’t until 1949 that Regan registered on the charts, with a rank of 1,787 and only 5 births. This indicates that the name was extremely rare during this period.

The next significant appearance of Regan was in 1955, reaching a rank of 1,745, with 8 births. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, the name remained sporadic, with occasional appearances but generally low numbers.

The real surge in Regan’s popularity occurred in the 1970s. By 1974, the name had climbed to a rank of 772, with 131 births, representing 0.0101% of all births. This upward trend continued, peaking in 1980 with a rank of 671 and 210 births, making up 0.0144% of births. This likely coincides with the popularity of certain cultural figures or trends during that decade.

However, the 1980s also marked the beginning of a decline in Regan’s popularity. From the mid-1980s onward, the name’s rank generally decreased, although there were some fluctuations. In the 1990s, the name experienced a minor resurgence, maintaining a steady presence but not reaching the heights of the 1970s.

The 21st century has seen Regan’s popularity continue to fluctuate. While it has remained in the top 1000 names, it has not consistently maintained a high ranking. The most recent data, from 2023, shows a rank of 4,340 with only 6 births. This suggests a significant decrease in the name’s usage in recent years.

Factors Influencing Popularity

Several factors might explain these trends:

• Cultural Trends: The popularity of names often follows cultural trends, including the influence of celebrities, movies, and other media.
• Sound and Style: Name preferences change over time. What sounds appealing in one era might sound dated in another.
• Uniqueness: As a name becomes more common, some parents might seek out less popular alternatives.

Regional Variations: Washington D.C.

Interestingly, the data provides a snapshot of Regan’s popularity in Washington, D.C. While the numbers are very low, this gives a sense of its regional usage.

The Meaning and Origins of Regan

Understanding the etymology of a name can add depth and meaning to your choice. Regan has roots in both Irish and English cultures.

The name is derived from the Irish surname O’Riagain, which means "descendant of Riagáin." Riagáin itself is a personal name that may be derived from the Irish word "rí," meaning "king." Therefore, Regan can be interpreted to mean "little king" or "royal."

In English, Regan is also associated with the word "regal," which means "royal" or "dignified." This association further enhances the name’s majestic and sophisticated image.

Regan in Literature

The name Regan gained notoriety through Shakespeare’s play King Lear. Regan is one of Lear’s daughters, portrayed as ambitious and ruthless. While the character’s traits are not necessarily positive, the play has contributed to the name’s cultural recognition and association with strength.

Names Like Regan

If you’re drawn to the name Regan but seeking alternatives or variations, several options offer similar sounds, origins, or meanings.

Variants of Regan

• Raegan: A common spelling variation that retains the same pronunciation and Irish origin.
• Ragan: A slightly less common variant that also has Gaelic roots.
• Reagan: This spelling is more popular and shares the "descendant of Riagan" meaning.
• Reghan: Another Gaelic spelling variant.

Names that Sound Like Regan

• Regena: A Latin name meaning "queen," sharing a similar sound and royal connotation.
• Regine: Another Latin name meaning "queen," offering a sophisticated and elegant alternative.

Similar Names

• Regina: A classic Latin name meaning "queen," which is a more established and widely used option.

Is Regan Right for Your Baby?

Choosing a name is a deeply personal decision. Consider the following points when deciding if Regan is the right choice for your baby:

• Meaning: Do you resonate with the name’s Irish origin and association with royalty?
• Sound: Do you like the sound of the name and how it flows with your last name?
• Popularity: Are you comfortable with the name’s current moderate popularity? Do you prefer a more unique or a more common name?
• Associations: Are you aware of the name’s literary association with Shakespeare’s King Lear and how you feel about it?
• Variants: Are you open to alternative spellings or similar-sounding names?

Conclusion

The name Regan offers a compelling blend of Irish heritage, a touch of royalty, and a modern appeal. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, Regan remains a distinctive and beautiful choice for parents seeking a name with character and meaning. By understanding its history, meaning, and variations, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect name for your little one.