Regana: a female 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".
Regana has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Irish (Gaelic) roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riagáin”, meaning “son of Riagán”, from the Irish personal name “Riagán”, meaning “little king”" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Regana
Quick facts about Regana
Origin
Irish (Gaelic)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately 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 Regana
Regana is pronounced /rɪˈɡeɪ.nə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Reg-an-a
Say it like: "REG-AN-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Regana is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Name Relationships
Regana is an affectionate diminutive of Regan, commonly used in english speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.
Regana 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 Regana for girls 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, Regana's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Regana?
Regana 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 Regana a boy or girl name?
Regana is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In irish (gaelic) tradition, Regana has historically been given to girls. 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 a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Regana?
Regana is pronounced "/rɪˈɡeɪ.nə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Regana is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with irish (gaelic) names, listening to a native speaker say Regana can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Regana?
Regana is commonly used as a nickname for Regan. As a diminutive of Regan, Regana started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Regan go by Regana throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In irish (gaelic) cultures, using Regana as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Regana as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Regana on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Regana?
Regana is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Regana offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Regana'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 girls' names, Regana holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Regana commonly used?
Regana is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though irish (gaelic) in origin, Regana 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 Regana into their naming traditions. A child named Regana 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, Regana is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.