The name literally translates to “Little King,” offering a regal history without the stiffness of names like “Richard” or “Charles.” It implies a natural authority wrapped in approachability.
Verdict: Reagan remains a strong, gender-neutral contender for 2025. It offers the trendy “surname-as-first-name” style (like Kennedy or Carter) but has enough history to feel established rather than fleeting. It is an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that sounds capable, strong, and historically rich.
Reagan Overview
- Meaning: Reagan is Irish for “Kingly” and Gaelic for “Little King.”
- Gender: Reagan is traditionally a female name but is gaining popularity as a boy’s name.
- Origin: Reagan is an Anglicized form of the surname Ó Ríagáin which means “descendent of Riagán.” The O’Riagain family was very influential in Ireland during the sixth century.
- Pronunciation: “ray-gen” or “ree-gen”
- Popularity: Reagan is a popular name in the United States.
- Nicknames: Rae, Regs, Rae Rae, Reags, Oreagano.
- Variations: Raegan (Irish), Regan (Irish), Ragan (Gaelic), Reghan (Gaelic).
- Namesakes: Ronald Reagan, Reagan Jones, Reagan Howard.
What Does Reagan Mean?
At its core, the name Reagan is all about authority and lineage. It is derived from the Irish word rí, which means “king.” The suffix -in is a diminutive, essentially softening the title. Therefore, the most accurate etymological translation is “Little King” or “Little Ruler.”
While “Little King” might sound cute, the historical context is one of genuine power. In ancient Ireland, names were often aspirational or descriptive of a clan’s status. Naming a child Reagan imparts a sense of “kingly” dignity and potential for leadership. It suggests that the bearer is destined for great things, or perhaps rules the household from the moment they are born.
Where Does the Name Reagan Come From?
Reagan is deeply rooted in the Emerald Isle. It is the Anglicized version of the historical Irish surname Ó Ríagáin.
The history of the name is quite specific; the Ó Ríagáin clan was one of the “Four Tribes of Tara,” a powerful alliance in the ancient Kingdom of Meath. They were active and influential during the 6th century and played a significant role in early Irish politics and warfare against Viking invaders.
In the 17th century, during British colonization, many Irish names were Anglicized to sound more English, changing Ó Ríagáin to O’Regan or simply Reagan. The name eventually crossed the Atlantic with waves of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine in the 1800s, transforming from a marker of Irish nobility to a common American surname, and eventually, a beloved first name.
How Popular is the Name Reagan?
Reagan is a fascinating case study in how pop culture and politics influence naming trends. Historically, it was almost exclusively a surname. However, it began to creep into the charts as a first name in the 1970s and exploded in popularity in the 1980s, coinciding with the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
While it started as a bipartisan nod to a popular figure, it eventually detached from politics to become a style icon of the 1990s and 2000s, fitting right in with the “surname trend” alongside names like McKenzie and Riley.
The Current Trend:
For girls, Reagan is a modern classic. It peaked in the early 2010s but remains comfortably in the Top 150 names in the US, making it familiar but not overused. It is no longer “trendy” in a way that risks dating your child; it has established itself as a stable choice.
For boys, the name is a “rare gem.” While it has history as a male name, it is statistically much less common for boys in 2025, making it a unique pick for parents who want a soft but strong Irish name for a son (1).
How Do I Pronounce Reagan?
Because of its spelling, Reagan can trip people up, though one pronunciation dominates in the US.
- Standard American: RAY-gen (Rhymes with “Megan” or “bacon”). This is how the former President pronounced it and is the default for 99% of Americans.
- Literary/Traditional: REE-gen (Rhymes with “vegan”). This pronunciation is often associated with the Shakespearean character Regan or specific Irish dialects.
Is Reagan a Boy or Girl Name?
Technically, Reagan is a unisex name. However, usage has shifted significantly over the last 40 years.
- For Girls: It is overwhelmingly more popular for girls. The “surname-as-first-name” trend leans heavily feminine for this specific moniker.
- For Boys: It retains a rugged, cowboy-esque charm for boys. It is less common, which appeals to parents looking for something distinct.
Ultimately, the meaning “Little King” is masculine, but the sound (ending in -an) fits the pattern of many unisex favorites like Jordan, Morgan, and Rowan.
Variations of Reagan
If you love the sound but want to tweak the spelling or honor a specific heritage, consider these variations:
- Raegan: (Americanized) This spelling has gained massive traction, often used to clarify the “Ray” pronunciation or to make it look more feminine.
- Regan: (Traditional Irish/English) This is the spelling used in Shakespeare’s King Lear. It risks the “Ree-gen” pronunciation confusion.
- Ragan: (Gaelic) A simplified spelling that is rarer today.
- Reghan: (Modern) A unique twist that adds a soft “h” for aesthetic balance.
Nicknames for Reagan
Reagan is punchy enough to stand on its own, but affectionate nicknames are inevitable.
Common Nicknames:
- Rae / Ray: The most intuitive and popular short form.
- Reags: A sporty, casual nickname often used by teammates.
- Reggie: A spunky, vintage-sounding option.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Ren: Pulling from the first and last letters, this is a cool, edgy alternative.
- Ree: A sweet, Southern-style double barrel nickname base.
- King / Kingsley: A play on the literal meaning of the name.
Names Similar to Reagan
If Reagan is almost right but not quite the one, consider these names that share the same spirited, surname-style vibe:
- Kennedy: Like Reagan, this is an Irish surname with Presidential ties and high energy.
- Teagan: Rhymes with Reagan but feels slightly more whimsical and strictly Irish.
- Morgan: A timeless unisex classic that shares the “-gan” ending.
- Sloane: Shares the sleek, sophisticated surname style but is one syllable.
- Riley: Another Irish surname that transitioned successfully to a popular girls’ name.
- Quinn: Short, Irish, and unisex, Quinn carries the same “royal” (Chief) etymology.
- Rowan: A nature-inspired name that shares the soft Irish feel.
- Carter: For parents who like the preppy, surname feel but want something less political.
Middle Names for Reagan
Reagan is a two-syllable name with a strong consonant ending. It pairs best with middle names that are either short and sweet or long and lyrical.
Classic & Timeless
These names ground Reagan, giving it a sophisticated, adult feel.
Modern & Spunky
These pairings lean into the high-energy vibe of the first name.
Traditional Boys’ Middles
If using Reagan for a son, these middle names provide a strong masculine anchor.
Sibling Names for Reagan
Creating a “sib-set” involves matching the style, usually Irish, Surname, or Preppy.
For a Brother
- Lincoln: Matches the Presidential theme without being too obvious.
- Declan: A solid Irish choice that sounds distinct from Reagan.
- Harrison: A distinguished surname name (“Harry’s Son”) that pairs perfectly.
- Hudson: Trendy, geographical, and strong.
- Connor: Keeps the Irish heritage connection alive.
For a Sister
- Madison: The ultimate 2000s surname-name companion for Reagan.
- Peyton: Another unisex, sporty name that holds its own.
- Mackenzie: Shares the rhythmic Scottish/Irish heritage.
- Avery: Soft, unisex, and incredibly popular.
- Taylor: A classic 90s favorite that fits the same stylistic era.
Famous People Named Reagan
- Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of the United States, whose popularity catapulted the name into the mainstream.
- Reagan Gomez-Preston: An American actress known for her voice work and television roles.
- Reagan Campbell-Gillard: A professional Australian Rugby League footballer.
- Reagan Pasternak: A Canadian actress known for her roles in TV comedy-dramas.
- Reagan Strange: A young singer who gained fame as a contestant on “The Voice.”
Reagan in Pop Culture
- Regan MacNeil: The central child character in the iconic horror film The Exorcist. (Note: This character uses the “Regan” spelling).
- Regan: One of the two villainous daughters in Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear.
- Reagan Lucas: A character portrayed by Megan Fox in the hit sitcom New Girl.
- Reagan Ridley: The main protagonist of the animated series Inside Job.
FAQs About the Name Reagan
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask before naming their baby Reagan.
Is Reagan a Unisex Name?
Yes, you can use Reagan as a girl’s or boy’s name. It is a mighty name for either a boy or a girl, meaning someone from a royal family.
Does the Name Reagan Have a Biblical Meaning?
Reagan does not have a biblical meaning. In fact, there are no references to Reagan in the bible at all. Its origin dates to an influential Irish family during the sixth century. We initially used the name as a surname and only began as a first name in recent times.
What’s the Most Popular Way to Spell Reagan?
Parents use the traditional spelling of the surname Reagan over 65% of the time for a first name. They then use Ragan as the most popular way to spell the first name for their child. A recent Americanized version spelled Raegan has gained recent popularity.
What Landmarks Share the Name Reagan?
Because of Ronald Reagan’s popularity, there are many landmarks named Reagan. These include institutions, roads, schools, sea ships, and a public holiday. Your kid will have fun finding all the places in the United States that match their name!
Is Reagan Considered an Irish Name?
Yes, Reagan is definitively Irish. It comes from the Gaelic surname Ó Ríagáin. However, in Ireland today, it is still primarily seen as a last name, whereas using it as a first name is considered a distinctly North American trend.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Name Reagan?
While not Biblical, the spiritual meaning of Reagan is tied to its etymology of “Little King.” It represents sovereignty, personal authority, and leadership. It suggests a spirit that is destined to lead others or master their own destiny.
Why Is the Name Reagan Sometimes Considered Controversial?
The name can be polarizing for two reasons. First, the political association with President Ronald Reagan is still strong for many Americans. Second, the character Regan in The Exorcist created a spooky association for a generation of moviegoers, though this has faded significantly with time.
Is the Name Reagan Dated?
No, Reagan is not considered dated. While it had a surge in the 90s, it has remained stable on the charts. It has transitioned from a “trend” name to a modern classic, similar to names like Ryan or Taylor, fitting in perfectly with current naming styles in 2025.
What Are the Best Sibling Names for Reagan?
Reagan pairs best with other surname-style names or Irish names. Excellent choices include Kennedy, Lincoln, Carter, and Madison. These names share a “preppy” and polished aesthetic that creates a cohesive family set.
