Reagan

Meaning of Reagan

Reagan (pronounced RAY-guhn) is a transatlantic charmer that began life as the Irish surname Ó Riagáin—“descendant of Riagán,” a diminutive linked to the Old Gaelic word for “kingly” or, some linguists suggest, “impulsive.” In other words, its etymology promises a spirited nature with a hint of courtly poise. American ears, of course, can scarcely hear the name without a quiet echo of the 40th president, whose 1980s limelight nudged Reagan from history books onto birth certificates; since then the name has traveled steadily up the U.S. charts, peaking just inside the Top 100 in the late 2010s before settling into the low 200s in 2024—an arc that suggests enduring appeal rather than fleeting fashion. Culturally, Reagan manages a neat hat-trick: it feels brisk and modern, carries a dash of Celtic romance, and still nods politely toward the portico of the White House. Parents often cite its balanced energy—strong yet graceful, familiar yet not overused—as the reason it slips so comfortably into playground roll calls. In short, Reagan is a name that wears both jeans and a blazer: approachable, self-possessed, and just a little bit presidential.

Pronunciation

American English,Irish

• Pronunced as RAY-guhn (/ˈreɪɡən/)

• Regan
• Teagan
• Morgan