Regan

Origin

The name Regan originates from Irish Gaelic, derived from the surname Mac Raghnaill, meaning 'descendant of Raghnaill'. The Gaelic roots are 'Mac' meaning 'son of' and 'Raghnaill', a personal name possibly meaning 'little king' or 'king's counsellor'. Historically, the name appears in Irish mythology and literature, notably in William Shakespeare's play 'King Lear', where Regan is one of Lear's daughters. In Australia, the name has been adopted as a given name, often appreciated for its strong, classic sound.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'little king' or 'king's counsellor'. In the Australian context, it often conveys qualities of leadership, strength, and charisma, with a modern popular appeal due to its brevity and historical resonance.

Pronunciation

/ˈreɪɡən/ or /ˈriːɡən/ — 'RAY-gun' with emphasis on the first syllable, common in Australian English pronunciation, with slight variation towards 'REE-gun' depending on personal or regional preference.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 20 March (St. Regan's Day celebrated in some Catholic calendars)
• 15 July (Irish Feast of St. Ragnall)
• Māori: 6 March (Māori commemoration of Rākeiha, an ancestor with similar sound)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with regan:

• Ethan and Regan
• Liam and Regan','Jack and Regan
• Oliver and Regan

Fun Facts

• Famous bearer: Regan MacNeil, a fictional character from the horror film 'The Exorcist', although more popular in American media.
• The name appears in Australian literature as a symbol of resilience and leadership.
• In Australian pop culture, several sportspeople named Regan have contributed to the name's popularity.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name regan:

• Leadership
• Resilience
• Charisma
• Ambition

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean, sharp typographic appearance that works well in both casual and formal context; visually balanced and strong in letterforms, conveying authority and clarity.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne, with a higher density in Western Australia reflecting Irish heritage communities. Less common in rural regions.

Numerological Significance

Name Number 1, associated with leadership, independence, and pioneering qualities. Suitable for individuals with a driven nature and propensity for innovation.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological association, but the name's energetic vibrance resonates with Aries and Leo qualities, such as leadership and dynamism, when considering individual birth dates.

Historical Context

Regan has been associated with Irish royal and mythological histories, with the name appearing in early Irish annals. Its literary use in Shakespeare's 'King Lear' has cemented its literary standing. The name's Australian popularity grew through immigration and cultural adoption, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across English-speaking countries; maintains its form with minor spelling variations like Reagan or Ragan in the US and Ireland respectively.

Famous People Named regan

• Regan MacNeil (fictional character in 'The Exorcist')
• Regan Cassar (Australian swimmer)
• Regan Darcy (fictional character from Australian literary fiction)

Popularity in Australia