All about the name

Reagan

Male

« Reagan is an Irish surname-turned-first-name meaning "little king" or "king of the sea", derived from Ó Raghallaigh, which originally meant "descendant of Raghalach". »

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Meaning, origin, history

Reagan is a name of Irish origin, meaning "little king" or "king of the sea." It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, which was originally O'Reilly, meaning "descendant of Raghalach," a personal name that means "four-sided," possibly referring to someone who was brave and strong-willed. The name Reagan has a long history in Ireland. The O'Reilly clan were one of the most powerful families in medieval Ireland, with their territory centered around Breffni, now known as County Cavan. They were known for their military prowess and political influence, and their chiefs held the title "Lord of East Breffni." The name Reagan first became popular in the United States during the 20th century. It was used by several notable individuals, including Ronald Reagan, who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. However, it is important to note that Reagan's popularity as a given name is not solely due to his presidency, but also because it has been used as a personal name in Ireland for centuries. Reagan has continued to gain popularity in recent years and is now considered a unisex name. According to the Social Security Administration, it was one of the top 1000 names given to babies born in the United States in both 2019 and 2020. It is also popular in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In summary, Reagan is an Irish name with a rich history that means "little king" or "king of the sea." Its popularity has grown in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries, and it is now considered a unisex name. Despite its association with former US President Ronald Reagan, the name has been used as a personal name for centuries and has many other notable bearers throughout history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Reagan since 1880

Total births
7,633
Total since 1880
Peak year
2004
366 births
in 2023
115
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-5%
vs previous 5 years