Reagan
REE-GUN
Reagan is an Anglicised form of the Irish surname O'Riagain, derived from the Old Irish 'rigan' meaning king or sovereign. The diminutive quality gives it the sense of 'little king' or 'descendant of the king'. Originally a surname, it transitioned to a given name in English-speaking countries during the twentieth century and is now used freely for both boys and girls, with a strong, confident character.
At a glance
An Irish-origin surname name meaning 'little king', Reagan has become a popular gender-neutral given name with a bold, modern feel.
Etymology & History
Reagan derives from the Gaelic surname O'Riagain or O'Reagan, from the Old Irish personal name Riagan, rooted in 'ri' (king) with a diminutive or patronymic suffix. The O'Reagan family was historically powerful in County Meath and Leinster. The surname was brought into English usage through Irish emigration and began appearing as a given name in the United States from the mid-twentieth century, accelerating after Ronald Reagan's presidency gave it wider recognition.
Cultural Significance
Reagan's popularity as a given name rose markedly in the United States from the 1980s onwards, partly as a tribute to President Ronald Reagan among conservative-leaning families. Over time it shed strong political associations and became a mainstream gender-neutral choice. In the United Kingdom it is less common but recognised. The name sits within the broader trend of Irish surnames used as given names, alongside names such as Teagan, Keegan, and Quinn.
Famous people named Reagan
Ronald Reagan
40th President of the United States, former actor and California governor who served 1981 to 1989.
Reagan Gomez-Preston
American actress known for her roles in television drama and comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Reagan
Logan
“Little hollow”
Logan is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic word "lagan," meaning "little hollow" or "small meadow." Originally a surname associated with a place name, it has become a beloved given name for both boys and girls. The name evokes images of gentle Scottish landscapes, quiet valleys, and the natural beauty of the countryside.
Morgan
“Sea circle, sea born”
Morgan derives from the Old Welsh elements mor, meaning sea, and cant or geni, meaning circle or born. The name carries a sense of the boundless, ever-moving ocean and has been used for both boys and girls in Wales since medieval times. It is one of the most widely recognised Welsh names internationally and has a mystical quality reinforced by its connection to Arthurian legend.
Regan
“Little king, strong-willed ruler”
Regan originates from the Old Irish ri, meaning king, combined with the diminutive suffix -an to form a term meaning little king or descendent of the king. It was originally a surname in the form O'Regan or O Riagain before transitioning into use as a given name. The name has been used for both sexes and carries a regal bearing softened by its diminutive origins.
Teagan
“Little poet, attractive”
Teagan is derived from the Old Irish 'tadhg', meaning poet or philosopher, with a diminutive suffix producing the sense of little poet. Some sources also connect it to a root meaning attractive or handsome. The name has a bright, friendly energy that has made it particularly popular in North America as a unisex choice. While rooted in Irish and Welsh tradition, it has taken on a distinctly contemporary identity through its widespread use in English-speaking countries over the past two decades.
Where you'll find Reagan
Reagan shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.