Reaghan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Riagáin," which means "little king." The name has a strong and powerful sound to it, reflecting its regal meaning.
The use of Reaghan as a given name is relatively modern. In the past, it was primarily used as a surname, with its origins tracing back to Ireland's ancient Gaelic-speaking families. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity as a unisex given name, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
One notable historical figure associated with the name Reaghan is Riagáin, also known as Brian Boru, who was a High King of Ireland in the 11th century. Although there are no specific records indicating that he had children named Reaghan, his legacy has contributed to the enduring popularity of this name among Irish families.
Today, Reaghan continues to be a distinctive and appealing choice for parents looking for a strong, unique name with a rich history and meaning. Its Irish origins give it a sense of cultural heritage, while its unisex nature allows for flexibility in choosing a name that can suit both boys and girls alike. Despite its relatively recent use as a given name, Reaghan has established itself as a prominent choice in the modern era, thanks to its powerful meaning and attractive sound.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Reaghan has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth of a girl named Reaghan was in 1991, with 7 births that year and again in 1992. There were no recorded births for this name between 1993 and 1995, indicating a brief period where it wasn't commonly chosen.
However, starting from 1996, the popularity of Reaghan began to grow steadily. That year saw 17 births, which increased to 22 in 1998, marking a significant rise in its usage as a baby girl's name. This trend continued through the early 2000s, reaching a peak in 2005 with 64 births, and again in 2007 and 2008 with 64 and 71 births respectively.
Despite this initial spike in popularity, the frequency of the name Reaghan began to decline gradually starting from 2009. From that year onwards, there were fewer than 57 births annually until 2023, indicating a decrease in its usage as a baby girl's name. However, it is still being chosen by parents for their daughters, with 17 births recorded in 2023.
In total, over the span of these three decades (1991-2023), there have been 1,097 recorded births of girls named Reaghan in the United States. This shows that although its popularity has fluctuated over time, the name Reaghan remains a recognizable and chosen option for parents naming their daughters during this period.