The name Regan is of Irish origin and means "little king" or "little prince." It is a diminutive form of the Gaelic name Rían, which itself means "little king."
The name Regan has a rich history in Irish literature and folklore. In the Irish epic, the Tain Bo Cuailnge, Regan is one of the heroes who fights against Queen Medb and her army. He is known for his bravery and skill in battle.
In more recent times, the name Regan gained popularity after being used in J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye." The character of Regan, Holden Caulfield's younger sister, played a significant role in the story.
Today, Regan is still a popular name choice for boys and girls alike, and its meaning adds to its appeal as it conveys strength, leadership, and royal elegance.
The name Regan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a total of 16,147 babies named Regan between 1946 and 2023. The first recorded birth year for the name was 1946, with only 6 births that year. However, the popularity of the name began to rise in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with 17 births in 1961 and 31 births in 1962.
The peak in popularity for the name Regan occurred between 1994 and 2001, with a high of 747 births in 2001. This period saw an average of around 500-800 babies named Regan per year, indicating that the name was quite popular during this time.
Interestingly, the popularity of the name has continued to fluctuate since then, with a steady decline from 2006 onwards. In 2023, there were only 77 births recorded for the name Regan in the United States, marking a significant decrease from its peak popularity.
Despite this recent decline, the name Regan remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, ranking at approximately the 95th percentile of all baby names in the United States over the past century. This means that while it is not extremely popular or common, the name Regan has still been given to a significant number of babies throughout its history.
In conclusion, the popularity of the name Regan has varied over time in the United States, with periods of increased popularity occurring between 1962 and 2001. While it is not currently as popular as it once was, the name still has a notable presence among baby names in the country.