Rejean is a unique and distinctive French-Canadian male given name with a rich history and meaningful significance.
The name Rejean originates from the Occitan language of southern France, where it was traditionally used as a surname. However, in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, Rejean has been widely used as a given name since the mid-20th century.
The name is derived from the Occitan word "Reja", which means "the king". Thus, Rejean can be interpreted to mean "little king" or "king's son". This regal meaning may have contributed to its popularity among French-Canadian parents seeking to bestow a strong and powerful name upon their sons.
The name Rejean first appeared in Canada in the early 20th century but did not gain significant popularity until the post-World War II baby boom era. During this time, it became one of the most common names for boys born in Quebec, particularly among French-speaking families. At its peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rejean was consistently ranked among the top ten boy's names in Quebec.
Today, Rejean remains a popular name in Quebec, with a significant number of individuals bearing this distinctive moniker. Despite its popularity, it has not gained widespread recognition beyond French-speaking Canada, making it an uncommon but intriguing name elsewhere.
In summary, Rejean is a unique and powerful French-Canadian male given name with roots tracing back to the Occitan language of southern France. With its regal meaning and rich history in Quebec, Rejean continues to be a beloved choice among families seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their sons.
In the United States, the name Réjean experienced a brief spike in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the year 1971, there were only five births registered with this unique name, but by the decade's end in 1980, that number had more than doubled to thirteen births. Overall, from these two years combined, a total of eighteen babies were named Réjean in the United States. Despite its relatively low occurrence compared to more popular names, Réjean remains a distinctive and uncommon name choice for boys.