Declining since 2016, #248 for girls today.
Popularity of Reagan since 1913
Babies named Reagan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 43 |
| 1920s | 0 | 39 |
| 1930s | 0 | 41 |
| 1940s | 0 | 128 |
| 1950s | 7 | 194 |
| 1960s | 115 | 233 |
| 1970s | 880 | 375 |
| 1980s | 767 | 388 |
| 1990s | 4,264 | 1,075 |
| 2000s | 19,975 | 2,425 |
| 2010s | 28,859 | 2,106 |
| 2020s | 10,872 | 794 |
Meaning & origin
Reagan is a name of Irish origin that entered the American baby name lexicon as a surname-turned-first-name, gaining traction after the presidency of Ronald Reagan. It has since become predominantly feminine, ranking 248th in 2025 with a frequency of roughly 1 in 1,292 births. The name peaked in 2012 and has been on a downward trajectory since 2016, though it retains a solid presence. Its highest popularity per capita is found in Montana, North Dakota, and New Hampshire, reflecting a regional appeal in more rural and northern states. The etymology is debated, with possible meanings ranging from 'little king' to 'impulsive,' but the Irish root remains central. Reagan fits a trend of surname-inspired names and shares stylistic qualities with other unisex-turned-feminine names like Kennedy and Avery.
Reagan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Riagáin, meaning 'descendant of Riagán.' The personal name Riagán is of debated etymology, possibly derived from Old Irish 'rí' (king) with a diminutive suffix, or from 'riag' (impulse). The surname was historically associated with County Meath. As a given name, it rose to prominence in the late 20th century, largely due to President Ronald Reagan, though it was rare before the 1970s.
Where Reagan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Reagan” around the world
Where Reagan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rea, Gan
Sibling names for Reagan
Names that share Reagan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kennedi, Skyla, Avery, Morgan, Peyton, Ashlynn, Kennedy, Quinn, Ainsley, Alayna, Ansley, Baily, Kaleigh, Kamri, Karsyn, Kinsey, Kyndall, Legacy, Madisyn, Marli, Mckenna, Ryann, Aubreigh, Audri, Bailie, Baleigh, Brynnlee, Cameran, Devynn, Gracen, Gracyn, Haidyn, Hollyn, Jayleigh, Kaelin, Kailin, Kaydance, Kenadi, Kenadie, Kendyll, Kerrigan, Laikyn, Mackenna, Payten, Rhyan, Taytum, Aubrea, Baillie, Bradi, Collyns, Delaynie, Dilyn, Hailley, Kadynce, Kenedy, Kennedee, Kensie, Kerigan, Kiely, Kierstan, Kynnedy, Landri, Mackensie, Makinzie, Mccartney, Mckena, Mckinnley, Mickenzie, Mykenzie, Scotti, Skyleigh, Skylin, Talor, Teghan, Tiegan, Bailynn, Camreigh, Caylynn, Daytona, Haely, Haelynn, Irelynd, Jadence, Kadance, Kaislyn, Kambryn, Keatyn, Keighley, Kendalyn, Kennidi, Kleigh, Lexii, Mabrey, Mackinley, Makinsley, Makinzee, Peyson, Peytan, Peytin, Peytyn, Raygan, Reise, Riely, Skyllar, Taytem, Teagyn, Teighan, Torryn, Jaely, Alizey, Brean, Brookley, Cagney, Camaryn, Cambelle, Carsynn, Cassadi, Deylin, Dylanie, Graelynn, Graylyn, Haydyn, Kampbell, Keirston, Khylar, Kinzi, Londin, Maclaine, Makinzy, Mckinzi, Mckynna, Quinne, Taetum, Taygan
Brothers: Riley, Ryan, Logan, Carter, Dylan, Braxton, Caiden, Cameron, Dallas, Nolan, Brentley, Brodie, Kallan, Kameron, Kamron, Karsen, Kolton, Konner, Madden, Paxton, Payson, Tyson, Brayton, Brodrick, Brylan, Camrin, Carsen, Corbyn, Courtland, Iverson, Jaydyn, Kamrin, Kayne, Keilan, Kelson, Kirkland, Landin, Mcarthur, Ryon, Taven, Trevin, Treyton, Tylan, Bayler, Baylin, Braidyn, Bryceson, Camaron, Chanler, Coltan, Dailen, Deagan, Degan, Donovin, Jaythan, Kameran, Keigan, Kenner, Keyton, Lathen, Layden, Layten, Lofton, Louden, Quaid, Raider, Randol, Roark, Ryler, Taiwan, Taten, Travin, Trayton, Brandom, Braven, Brodyn, Brysin, Canden, Cohan, Copelan, Daeton, Delorean, Draylon, Jaimeson, Jayke, Kaydan, Kayton, Kenden, Kendyn, Kennen, Klye, Maguire, Neilson, Ripken, Rockland, Romney, Trigger, Tyland, Wayden, Brentton, Jaxxen, Rhonin, Tameron, Brysten, Caidon, Camdan, Colbe, Daleon, Dierks, Grayton, Kaceyon, Kaylem, Keaden, Kiegan, Kinser, Kolyn, Maccoy, Maxxon, Pacen, Reace, Shaydon, Trentan
Names like Reagan
Names whose popularity has moved with Reagan's over the last 50 years.
