Reagan

male

Origin

Origin & Etymology - The name Reagan derives from the Irish surname 'Ó Ríagáin', meaning 'descendant of Ríagán', with 'Ríagán' possibly meaning 'little king' or 'illustrious'. It entered English use as a given name predominantly in the 20th century, especially after the prominence of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The name has no indigenous Australian roots and is not traditionally found in Aboriginal or Māori lexicons.

Meaning

Meaning - 'Little king' or 'illustrious ruler'. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes qualities of leadership or charisma, partly influenced by American cultural references.

Pronunciation

/ˈreɪgən/ (RAY-gun) with emphasis on the first syllable, in Australian English pronunciation, 'Rey-gun'.—Note: The pronunciation resembles the English word 'regain' but with a hard 'g'.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Reagan (original form)
  • Rhéagan (rare, variant spelling in a Gaelic style)
  • Reagon (less common alternative)

Nicknames

  • Rea
  • Reegs

Name Days

  • Not widely observed in Australian cultural or religious calendars. However, in Irish tradition, 6 June (Feast of Saint Norbert) occasionally shares thematic relevance.
  • Celebrations may align with Irish heritage festivals held in Australia, such as St. Patrick's Day (17 March).
  • No specific Māori or Aboriginal name days are associated.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with reagan:

  • James Reagan (double-barrelled name)
  • Emily Reagan (for female sibling)
  • Reagan James (reversed order for stylistic variation)

Fun Facts

  • The surname Reagan became popular as a given name in Australia largely due to American political influence.
  • There is a notable Australian actor named Reagan in independent film circles.
  • Reagan's rise in Australian baby name charts occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name reagan:

  • Charismatic
  • Confident
  • Leadership-oriented
  • Ambitious

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean and straightforward, the name has a modern, classic appeal with balanced syllables and a strong sound, suitable for both casual and formal contexts in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

Moderately popular across urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with little regional disparity in adoption due to its modern and global cultural influences.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 in numerology, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, which can be perceived as positive traits in leadership qualities.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the planet Uranus due to its modern, innovative vibe; ideal for people born under Aquarius or Capricorn signs, emphasizing independence and resilience.

Historical Context

While not historically prevalent in Australia, Reagan gained cultural prominence through American media and politics, especially associated with U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Its usage reflects Australia's cultural exchanges and admiration for leadership figures. No significant Australian historical figures with this name are recorded.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is easily adaptable across languages, maintaining pronunciation and spelling in most Gaelic, English, and international contexts; pronounced similarly in Australian English.

Famous People Named reagan

  • Ronald Reagan (U.S. President)
  • Reagan Foxx (Australian actress and producer) — highlighting the name's crossover into entertainment.
  • Reagan McGuinness (fictional character in Australian television)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2014 1