Reginald is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Old German name Hrathigisl, which consists of two elements: "hrathi" meaning "counsel" and "gisil" meaning "pledge". Therefore, Reginald can be interpreted as "strong counsel" or "wise pledge".
The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It quickly became popular among the aristocracy and has remained a distinguished name ever since.
One of the most notable figures with the name Reginald was Saint Reginald of Montbard, who was a French nobleman and the third Grand Master of the Knights Templar. He played an important role in the early history of the order and is considered a saint by the Catholic Church.
Throughout history, there have been many other prominent individuals named Reginald, including English poets, politicians, and even explorers. Today, Reginald remains a classic name that evokes images of strength, wisdom, and nobility. Despite its historical popularity, it has become less common in recent years, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an enduring and meaningful name for their child.
The name Reginald has been a consistent yet relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past few decades. Between 1959 and 1985, there were a total of 58 babies named Reginald born each year.
During this period, the years with the highest number of Reginald births were 1962, 1963, and 1966, with five births in each year. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with five Reginald births annually from 1973 to 1979, excluding 1975.
The peak year for the name Reginald was 1980, with six babies named Reginald born that year. However, after this brief spike in popularity, the number of Reginald births returned to its usual level of five per year by 1985.
Overall, while Reginald has not been a top choice among American parents, it has maintained a steady presence on the baby name landscape since the late 1950s.