Raegan is a unique and captivating name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Raghnall," which is a variant spelling of the Gaelic name "Raghnall mac Gillachoim." Raghnall was a prominent figure in early medieval Ireland, serving as the King of Dál Riata, a territory that encompassed parts of modern-day Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The meaning behind the name Raegan is closely tied to its Irish roots. It is believed to derive from the Gaelic elements "ragh" meaning "little fern," and "náil" meaning "hero." Thus, Raegan can be interpreted as "little fern hero," a fitting name for someone with strength, courage, and resilience.
Throughout history, the name Raghnall, and its variants like Raegan, has been carried by notable individuals. King Raghnall mac Gillachoim is just one example, but others include Saint Raghnall, who was an early Christian missionary in Ireland, and Raghnall Mor, a 14th-century Scottish earl.
Today, Raegan is often used as a given name for girls, although its roots lie in the male lineage. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and intriguing history. Despite being of Irish origin, Raegan is not particularly common in Ireland but has found favor in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In conclusion, Raegan is a fascinating name with deep roots in Irish history. Its meaning reflects strength and heroism, qualities that have been embodied by many who have carried this name throughout generations. As a unique choice for a child's name, Raegan offers an intriguing connection to Ireland's rich past.
The name Raegan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Initially, it was quite uncommon with only single-digit births each year from 1963 to 1974. However, starting from 1975, there was a notable rise in the number of babies named Raegan.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in 2019 with 1405 births, which is remarkable considering that it was only around 9 births annually during the early years recorded. This trend suggests a substantial growth in interest and usage of the name Raegan among parents over time.
However, there has been some fluctuation in recent years. After reaching its peak in 2019, the number of babies named Raegan decreased to 1172 in 2020, 1124 in 2021, and further down to 994 in 2022. The latest data from 2023 shows another decrease with 729 births, indicating a possible shift in popularity or potentially an anomaly due to the limited period of available data.
Overall, while Raegan has seen significant growth and periods of high popularity since the mid-1970s, its popularity has recently started to decline slightly. It remains within the top names chosen for newborn girls in recent years but may not maintain the same level of consistency as other popular choices like Emma or Olivia.