Regan

Unisex
Pronunciation:/ˈriː.ɡən/

Regan: a unisex name of Irish (Gaelic) origin meaning "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”". It derives from the Irish (Gaelic) word "Ó RIAGáIN > RIAGÁN".

In Irish (Gaelic) tradition, Regan holds special significance as a both name representing This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Irish (Gaelic) culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Regan

Quick facts about Regan
OriginIrish (Gaelic)
GenderUnisex
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Ó RIAGáIN > RIAGÁN

How to Pronounce Regan

Regan is pronounced /ˈriː.ɡən/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Reg-an
  2. Say it like: "REG-AN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Regan is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

english
Frequently Asked Questions About Regan
What does the name Regan mean?
Regan means "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States.". The name comes from Ó RIAGáIN > RIAGÁN. This irish (gaelic) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Regan for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Regan's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Regan?
Regan is a irish (gaelic) name. The name traces back to Ó RIAGáIN > RIAGÁN. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The irish (gaelic) meaning "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Regan a boy or girl name?
Regan is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Regan works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In irish (gaelic) tradition, Regan has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Regan?
Regan is pronounced "/ˈriː.ɡən/". This pronunciation follows ga language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Regan is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with irish (gaelic) names, listening to a native speaker say Regan can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Regan?
Regan is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Regan offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Regan's popularity may vary between irish (gaelic) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Regan holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Regan commonly used?
Regan is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though irish (gaelic) in origin, Regan found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”. The O’Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. Dublin and apparently a powerful family. They took a leading part in the wars against the Danes. The annalists, under the year 1029, record a notable triumph of Mathghamhain Ó Riagáin, King of Breagh, over the foreigners, when he made prisoner Amhlaoibh, son of Sitric, King of Dublin, and only released him on payment of an enormous ransom, including the celebrated sword of Carlus. Regan is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota, United States." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Regan into their naming traditions. A child named Regan will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Regan is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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