Reaghan

Meaning & origin

Reaghan is a modern feminine spelling of the Irish surname Reagan, which first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1991. It reached its peak popularity in 2008, when it was given to the most babies, but has since entered a decline, falling to rank 8860 in 2025. At that time, about 1 in 146,115 newborns were named Reaghan. The name has remained rare, never ranking among the top 1000 names for any given year. Its similarity to the more common Reagan and the presidential connection may have contributed to its appeal, though its unique spelling sets it apart. Reaghan is most often found in states with strong Irish heritage, though it has not concentrated in any particular top states.

Reaghan is a modern spelling variant of Reagan, itself derived from the Irish surname Ó Ríagáin, meaning 'descendant of Riagán'. Riagán is a diminutive of the Old Irish word 'rí', meaning 'king'. The surname originated in County Meath and spread throughout Ireland. As a given name, Reagan gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, partly influenced by the presidency of Ronald Reagan, though the feminine variant Reaghan emerged later as a distinctive spelling.