Regis is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, derived from the word 'regalis', meaning royal or regal. This name has been traditionally used for males, although it can also be given to females due to its unisex appeal in recent times. Regis was popularized by several notable figures throughout history, such as Saint Regis, a sixth-century bishop of Chalons-sur-Marne, France, and Regis Philbin, an American media personality and talk show host. The name has a strong and authoritative sound, reflecting its regal roots, and is often associated with sophistication and elegance. It consists of two syllables, 'Re' and 'gis', which create a smooth rhythm when spoken aloud. As for its popularity, Regis has been more commonly used as a middle name rather than a first name in recent years, but it remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Regis experienced fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century, with peaks occurring between 1912 and 1923, another peak in 1952, and more recent lows after 1980. The highest number of babies named Regis was born in 1952, with 12 births that year.