Regan

female

Origin

The name Regan has origins in both Gaelic and Latin roots. In Irish mythology and history, Regan is notably associated with the legendary figure Goneril, sometimes called Regan, from Shakespeare's 'King Lear', herself derived from older Celtic traditions. The Gaelic form is 'Régán', which means 'little king' or 'little ruler'. The Latin influence is from 'Regina', meaning 'queen', which has inspired many similar names. While not of Aboriginal or Māori origin, the name has been adopted across diverse communities in Australia.

Meaning

Literal translation of 'Regan' is 'little king' or 'little queen', symbolising leadership and nobility. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of strength, sovereignty, and dignity, often reflecting heritage or aspirations.

Pronunciation

/ˈriːɡən/ (REE-gun) with emphasis on the first syllable, standard Australian pronunciation with a hard 'G'.','variants':['Reagan','Regina','Regan'],"diminutives":["Reggie","Ria"],"historical_context":"Notable Australians with this name include Regan Thirsk, an environmental scientist and author. Fictional characterisation often depicts Regan as strong-willed and intelligent, contributing to modern cultural perceptions. The name's use has been reinforced by media and pop culture.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Reagan
  • Regina
  • Régán

Nicknames

  • Reggie
  • Ria

Name Days

  • 15 October (St. Regan's Day, associated with Irish patron saints)
  • May be celebrated on the feast days of saints named Reginald or Regina in Catholic calendars. Australian calendars generally incorporate these international saints' days or local indigenous cultural events.
  • 19 July (Māori language day in New Zealand, with cultural significance shared by Māori communities in Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with regan:

  • Sophie and Olivia
  • Emma and Chloe','Ella and Mia
  • Younger sisters might be paired with classic or modern names like Kate or Lily

Fun Facts

  • The name gained popularity in Australia during the 1980s and 1990s, partly influenced by celebrity culture.
  • There is a famous Australian racehorse named Regan that raced in the Melbourne Cup.
  • The name Regan appears in Australian literature and media, often symbolising leadership or resilience in characterizations.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name regan:

  • Confident
  • Leadership-oriented
  • Resilient
  • Creative

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean and balanced visual appearance, with strong consonant-vowel symmetry appealing in typography and digital media. The name complements modern design aesthetics.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with slightly less usage in rural areas where traditional names prevail. Regional trends show increased popularity among younger parents inspired by pop culture.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power and authority, reflecting leadership qualities and success in pursuits. The number also suggests resilience and practicality.

Astrological Connections

Aligned with the zodiac sign Scorpio or Leo, indicating traits of determination, passion, and charismatic leadership. Suitable for birthdays in late October and late July.

Historical Context

The name features in Australian literary works and has been borne by notable Australians such as Regan Thirsk, an environmental scientist. It is also used in popular media, maintaining an image of resilience and independence.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across languages, with variants in Irish (Régán), Latin (Regina), and English (Reagan). In scripts, it remains similar, with minor spelling adjustments.

Famous People Named regan

  • Regan McLver (singer)
  • Regan Pereira (social activist)
  • Regan Thirsk (environmental scientist)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 2
2015 2