Declining since 2002, #2,276 for girls today.
Popularity of Regan since 1920
Babies named Regan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 42 | 73 |
| 1950s | 163 | 311 |
| 1960s | 359 | 583 |
| 1970s | 1,425 | 519 |
| 1980s | 1,273 | 383 |
| 1990s | 3,912 | 570 |
| 2000s | 6,042 | 655 |
| 2010s | 2,500 | 494 |
| 2020s | 591 | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Regan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the surname Ó Riagáin, meaning 'descendant of Riagán'. It first appeared as a given name in U.S. records in 1946, but its modern popularity began in the 1980s and peaked in 2001 at its highest rank. Since 2002, the name has been on a gradual decline; in 2025 it ranked 2276 with approximately 1 in 20,091 girls receiving it. The name has been most favored in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, reflecting its steady but regional appeal. While often linked to Shakespeare's 'King Lear', the character's negative portrayal has not dampened its use as a spirited, modern choice.
Regan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Riagáin, which means 'descendant of Riagán'. The personal name Riagán is of uncertain meaning, possibly derived from a diminutive of 'rí' meaning 'king', thus 'little king'. The name gained modern use as a feminine given name, partly influenced by the character Regan in Shakespeare's 'King Lear' (1606), though that spelling is Regan. Popularity increased in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Regan 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.
“Regan” around the world
Where Regan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Reg, Reggie, Gana
Sibling names for Regan
Names that share Regan's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Regan
Names whose popularity has moved with Regan's over the last 50 years.
