Reagan Name Meaning: Origins and Significance
Origins of the Name Reagan
If ya’re interested in the name Reagan and its origins, ya’re in the right place. The name Reagan has a long history as a last name, but it only became popular as a given name in the 1970s. It is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name “Ó Riagáin” whiich means “descendant of Riagán”.
Riagán is a personal name that means “little king” in Irish. The name Reagan was originally a surname, and it was borne by the famous American actor and president Ronald Reagan (1911-2004).
The name Reagan has consistently held a spot in the top 120 since 2012, even breaching the top 100 in 2012 and again between 2015 and 2017. It is a unisex name, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.
The table below summarizes some key information about the name Reagan:
| Entity | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Irish |
| Irish Origin | Gaelic |
| Personal Name | Riagán |
| Anglicized Form | Ó Riagáin |
| Surname | Yes |
| Irish Surname | Yes |
As ya can see, the name Reagan has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Irish culture. Whether ya’re looking for a unique name for yar baby or just curious about the origins of this popular name, understanding its history and meaning can be a fascinating journey.
Meaning of Reagan
If ya’re considering naming yar baby girl Reagan, ya might be interested to know that the name has Irish origins and means “little king.” The name is derived from the Irish surname O’Riagáin, whiich was originally given to members of a powerful sixth-century family known as the Four Tribes of Tara.
While “little ruler” is the literal translation of Reagan, the name is also associated with regality and royalty. It has been given to both men and women who have a strong drive to succeed and lead, such as former U.S. president Ronald Reagan.
In Shakespeare’s play “King Lear,” one of the characters is named Regan, whiich is a variation of the name Reagan. The character is known for her ambition and cunning, whiich could be seen as a nod to the name’s association with leadership and power.
Overall, Reagan is a name with a strong and regal history, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with meaning and significance.
Reagan as a First Name
Reagan is a modern and popular unisex name that has gained significant popularity as a girl’s name in recent years. The name is of Irish origin and translates to “little king” or “kingly.” It is derived from the Irish surname O’Riagáin, whiich means “descendant of Riagán.”
Reagan is a gender-neutral name, but it is more commonly used for girls. The name has a modern and trendy feel, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and contemporary name for their child.
The name Reagan is often spelled in different ways, including Rae, Ray, Raegan, and Reghan. Some parents may choose to use a different spelling to make the name more unique or to add a personal touch.
Reagan has several nicknames, including Rae Rae, Raea, and Regs. These nicknames are often used by family and close friends and can add a personal touch to the name.
There are several variations of the name Reagan, including Reagen, Regen, and Ragan. These variations are often used interchangeably with Reagan and can add a different feel to the name.
Similar names to Reagan include Rowan, Riley, and Logan. These names have a similar modern and trendy feel and are often used as alternatives to Reagan.
Overall, Reagan is a popular and modern name that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It has a gender-neutral feel and can be spelled and pronounced in several different ways, making it a versatile and unique choice for parents.
Popularity of the Name Reagan
If ya’re considering naming yar child Reagan, ya might be interested in knowing how popular the name is. According to the Social Security Administration data, Reagan has consistently held a spot in the top 120 since 2012, even breaching the top 100 in 2012 and again between 2015 and 2017.
In 2022, Reagan was the 117th most popular name for girls and the 376th most popular name for boys in the United States. It’s worth noting that the name is more commonly given to girls than boys, although it is gaining popularity as a boy’s name.
The popularity of the name Reagan varies by state. In 2022, the top five states where the name was most popular for girls were:
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
For boys, the top five states where the name was most popular were:
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Ohio
- Illinois
If ya’re curious about how the name Reagan has fared over the years, ya can look at the popularity chart. The name first appeared in the top 1000 names in 1978 and has been steadily climbing in popularity ever since.
Overall, the name Reagan has become a well-liked choice for parents in recent years. Its popularity shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s easy to see why. With its Irish roots and regal meaning, the name Reagan is a strong and timeless choice for any child.
Famous Namesakes
The name Reagan has been popularized by various famous individuals throughout history. Here are some notable namesakes of the name Reagan:
- Ronald Reagan: He was the 40th President of the United States and served from 1981 to 1989. Before becoming president, Reagan was a Hollywood movie star and television personality. He also served as the Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. Reagan is often remembered for his conservative policies and his role in ending the Cold War.
- Reagan Gomez: She is an American actress who rose to fame in the 1990s and 2000s. Gomez is best known for her roles in popular television shows such as “The Parent ‘Hood” and “Love, Inc.” She has also appeared in several movies, including “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Beauty Shop.”
- Reagan Campbell-Gillard: He is an Australian rugby league player who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). Campbell-Gillard has represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series and has also played for the Australian national team.
- Reagan Dunn: He is an American politician who currently serves as a King County Councilmember in Washington State. Dunn previously served as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives and as the Prosecuting Attorney for King County.
- Reagan Dale Neis: She is a Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and movies. Neis is best known for her role as Donna Pinciotti’s sister in the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
- Reagan Gomez-Preston: She is an American actress who has appeared in several television shows and movies. Gomez-Preston is best known for her role as Zaria Peterson in the Nickelodeon sitcom “The Parent ‘Hood.” She has also appeared in movies such as “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Jerry Maguire.”
Overall, the name Reagan has been associated with a diverse group of individuals, including politicians, actors, and athletes. Its popularity has only continued to grow over the years, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and unique name for their child.
Historical Significance
The name Reagan gained significant historical significance in the United States during the 20th century, particularly due to the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan, born in 1911, served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was a renowned leader who left a lasting impact on American politics.
Ronald Reagan was known for his policies, including Reaganomics, whiich aimed to reduce government spending and lower taxes. He was also involved in the Iran-Contra scandal, whiich involved selling weapons to Iran and using the profits to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. Despite this controversy, Reagan was elected to two terms as President and was widely regarded as a successful leader.
Reagan’s leadership was marked by his charisma and ability to connect with the American people. He was known for his memorable speeches, including his famous “Tear down this wall” speech in Berlin, whiich helped bring an end to the Cold War. Reagan was also a fan of Shakespeare, and his speeches often included references to the famous playwright.
Overall, the name Reagan has become synonymous with leadership and charisma, thanks to the legacy of Ronald Reagan. Whether ya are a fan of his policies or not, it is hard to deny the impact that he had on American politics and the world at large.
Reagan in Popular Culture
The name Reagan has made its way into popular culture, appearing in various forms of media. Here are some examples:
- Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl: In this novel, the main character’s name is Cath, short for Cather. Her twin sister’s name is Wren, short for Wrennifer. The sisters’ mother named them after characters from a book called “The Outsiders.” The character named Reagan is Cath’s roommate, who becomes one of Cath’s closest friends.
- Addison, California: There is a city in California named Addison, whiich has a population of approximately 4,000 people. One of the main streets in Addison is named Reagan Street.
- United States: The name Reagan is most famously associated with the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He served as President from 1981 to 1989 and is often remembered for his conservative policies and his role in ending the Cold War.
Overall, the name Reagan has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in literature, geography, and politics. Its Irish origins and associations with strength and leadership continue to make it a popular choice for baby names.
Alternative Names and Spellings
If ya’re considering naming yar child Reagan, ya may want to explore alternative spellings and namesakes. While Reagan is a gender-neutral name, it has been more commonly used for girls in recent years. Here are some alternative spellings and names to consider:
- Raegan: This spelling variation has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is phonetically identical to Reagan and has the same Irish origin.
- Ragan: This spelling is a bit less common but still recognizable as a variation of Reagan. It has the same meaning of “little king” and is also of Irish origin.
- Regan: This spelling is a bit more traditional and was the original spelling of the name. It is also of Irish origin and means “descendant of Riagán.”
- Teagan: This name has a similar sound to Reagan and is also of Irish origin. It means “little poet” and has been used for both boys and girls.
- Emery: This name has a similar sound to Reagan and is of German origin. It means “brave, powerful, and complete.”
- Ethan: This name is of Hebrew origin and means “strong, firm, and enduring.” It has a similar sound to Reagan.
- Jackson: This name is of English origin and means “son of Jack.” It has a similar sound to Reagan and has been used for both boys and girls.
- Mason: This name is of English origin and means “worker in stone.” It has a similar sound to Reagan and has been used for both boys and girls.
- Emma: This name is of German origin and means “whole” or “universal.” It has a similar sound to Reagan and has been used for girls.
- Grace: This name is of Latin origin and means “charm” or “elegance.” It has a similar sound to Reagan and has been used for girls.
- Harper: This name is of English origin and means “harp player.” It has a similar sound to Reagan and has been used for both boys and girls.
When it comes to middle names, some popular choices for Reagan include Morgan, Riley, Regina, and Roshan. These names all have different meanings and origins but can complement the name Reagan nicely.
Ultimately, the decision of what to name yar child is a personal one. Whether ya choose Reagan or one of its alternative spellings or namesakes, make sure it’s a name that ya and yar child will love and cherish for years to come.
