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 experienced significant growth in popularity from the mid-1960s onwards, with a notable peak between 1993 and 2002. However, it has seen a decline in recent years, with fewer than 150 babies named Regan born each year since 2017. Overall, there have been 16,147 births with the name Regan from 1946 to 2023.