Origin
Origin & Etymology - The name Reagan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Reagan' or 'Ríogán', meaning 'little king' or 'illustrious'. It became popular in the Anglophone world, especially through American media; it is less common historically in Aboriginal Australian languages or Māori contexts.
Meaning
Meaning - 'Little king' or 'illustrious ruler'. In the Australian context, it is often associated with empowerment and leadership qualities linked to the meaning.
Pronunciation
/ˈreɪgən/ (RAY-gun, with emphasis on the first syllable; Australian English stress pattern) via IPA, with a clear, open pronunciation consistent across regions.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Reagan (original spelling)
- Regan (less common)
- Reaga (rare, informal)
Nicknames
- Rea
- Reegs
- Rea Rea
Name Days
- 20 September (Feast of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, celebrated by some Christian communities in Australia)
- First Monday of October (Queen's Birthday, culturally significant for Australian identity)
- Māori Language Day (9 March, Ukaipo festival)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with reagan:
- Emma and Olivia
- Charlotte and Matilda
- Grace and Lily
Fun Facts
- Reagan gained popularity as a given name in Australia in the late 20th century, partly influenced by American pop culture.
- The name is sometimes chosen for its strong, regal sound, resonating with leadership qualities.
- In Australian politics, there have been notable figures with the surname Reagan, though rare as a first name.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name reagan:
- Confident
- Charismatic
- Independent
- Leadership qualities
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a modern, sleek aesthetic with sharp, clean letterforms that appeal visually; it conveys strength and clarity in Australian typography and branding.
Geographical Distribution
More popular in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where American cultural influences are stronger; less common in rural and remote areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 (if using Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical abilities — reflecting qualities desirable in leadership and intellect.
Astrological Connections
Often associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio or Sagittarius, signifying intensity, passion, and optimism—traits aligned with the name's meaning of leadership.
Historical Context
The name gained prominence through American cultural influence, notably the former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which added a layer of political and leadership connotations. It is also associated with modern Australian pop culture and media personalities.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is easily adaptable across languages, maintaining its form in English, and similar pronunciation in other Latin script-based languages. It is straightforward in spelling and pronunciation for most non-English speakers.
Famous People Named reagan
- Reagan Fox (Australian actress)
- Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Australian rugby league player)
- Reagan Leslie (Australian author)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 3 |
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 2 |