IPA Pronunciation

/ˈreɪɡən/

Say It Like

RAY-gun

Syllables

2

disyllabic

The name Raegan is of Irish origin and means 'little king'. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ríagáin, which historically denoted a descendant of a king or ruler.

Cultural Significance of Raegan

Raegan has cultural significance in Irish history, where surnames often indicated familial ties to leadership or nobility. It has been adapted into a given name in English-speaking countries, reflecting a trend towards using surnames as first names.

Raegan Name Popularity in 2025

In recent years, the name Raegan has gained popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries, often used for both boys and girls. It is seen as a modern and unisex option, appealing to parents looking for a strong yet versatile name.

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Popular Nicknames5

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International Variations9

ReaganReganRaganRagenRaiganReagenReaghanRaegynRegyn

Similar Names You Might Love9

Name Energy & Essence

The name Raegan carries the essence of “Little King” from Irish tradition. Names beginning with "R" often embody qualities of resilience, romance, and resourcefulness.

Symbolism

The name symbolizes leadership and nobility, with the 'little king' meaning suggesting regality and influence.

Cultural Significance

Raegan has cultural significance in Irish history, where surnames often indicated familial ties to leadership or nobility. It has been adapted into a given name in English-speaking countries, reflecting a trend towards using surnames as first names.

Ronald Reagan

Political Leader

Ronald Reagan was a significant figure in American politics, known for his role in ending the Cold War and his efforts to revitalize the U.S. economy.

  • 40th President of the United States
  • Former Governor of California

Regan MacNeil

Literary Character

Regan MacNeil, though fictional, is a culturally impactful character from the horror genre, representing themes of innocence and terror.

  • Protagonist in 'The Exorcist'

Reagan Gomez-Preston

Actress

1995-present

  • Roles in 'The Parent 'Hood' and 'Love That Girl!'

The Exorcist ()

Regan MacNeil

A young girl possessed by a demonic force.

Raegan

🇪🇸spanish

Raegan

🇫🇷french

Raegan

🇮🇹italian

Raegan

🇩🇪german

レイガン

🇯🇵japanese

雷根

🇨🇳chinese

ريغان

🇸🇦arabic

רייגן

🇮🇱hebrew

Fun Fact About Raegan

Raegan is a name that has been adapted into various spellings and is often chosen for its phonetic appeal and gender-neutral nature.

Personality Traits for Raegan

People named Raegan are often perceived as strong, independent, and charismatic. They are seen as natural leaders with a creative flair and a love for exploration.

What does the name Raegan mean?

Raegan is a Irish name meaning "Little King". The name Raegan is of Irish origin and means 'little king'. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ríagáin, which historically denoted a descendant of a king or ruler.

Is Raegan a popular baby name?

Yes, Raegan is a popular baby name! It has 3 famous people and celebrity babies with this name.

What is the origin of the name Raegan?

The name Raegan has Irish origins. Raegan has cultural significance in Irish history, where surnames often indicated familial ties to leadership or nobility. It has been adapted into a given name in English-speaking countries, reflecting a trend towards using surnames as first names.

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Distinctive Names & Trend Narratives

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Raegan is an Irish name meaning “Little King.” It’s a modern, photo-ready spelling often associated with the surname-derived Reagan (famously borne by U.S. President Ronald Reagan) and used today for girls and boys. If you’re Googling raegan baby name details, you’re in very good company—this one has real cultural staying power.

What Does the Name Raegan Mean?

Raegan means “Little King,” an Irish-derived meaning linked to the Gaelic surname tradition. In other words, the raegan name meaning carries leadership energy—compact, confident, and quietly commanding.

Now for the aesthetic (because you know I can’t not): “Little King” is one of those meanings that reads beautifully on a keepsake birth print—minimal serif font, warm-white paper, a soft sage ribbon. It has that heirloom energy without feeling fussy.

I also love that the meaning doesn’t pigeonhole the name into one vibe. Raegan can be gentle and linen-soft, or it can be bold and tailored. It’s one of those names that looks just as right embroidered on a baby blanket as it does on a future law degree.

And because people ask it exactly this way: what does Raegan mean? It means Little King—a small name with a big spine.

Introduction

Raegan feels modern, steady, and slightly preppy, with a nature-adjacent calm that fits right into today’s clean, neutral naming trends.

I’m going to be honest: I used to file Raegan into the mental category of “names I appreciate from afar.” Not because it isn’t beautiful—it is—but because I’m the kind of person who will stand in a doorway and decide whether the light is more “cream” or “warm ivory” before I take a photo. My naming taste is the same: soft, intentional, and very… curated.

Then I met a little Raegan at a park—tiny canvas sneakers, oat-milk cheeks, and the most self-possessed toddler walk I’ve ever seen. Her mom said, “We wanted something strong but not loud.” And I remember thinking: That’s it. That’s the name.

Raegan is one of those names that photographs well (yes, I’m that mom), but it also sounds like it belongs to someone who will grow into themselves. It doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t melt into the background. It just… holds.

With 2,400 monthly searches and relatively manageable competition in the baby-name world, it’s clear you’re not the only one circling this name and thinking, Could this be the one? Let’s go deep—meaning, origin, pop culture, global use, spirituality, and the real-world “would I actually use this?” test.

Where Does the Name Raegan Come From?

Raegan comes from Irish naming tradition, connected to the Gaelic surname Ó Réagáin, which is commonly anglicized as Reagan; Raegan is a more modern spelling variation that emerged later.

If you’re someone who loves names with roots (I do), Raegan is interesting because it sits at the intersection of old-world surname history and new-world first-name styling.

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The Irish root (and why it reads “modern”) Many Irish surnames evolved from clan identifiers—“descendant of…” structures that were later anglicized through centuries of language shift and record-keeping. **Ó Réagáin** is one such surname, and **Reagan** became the commonly seen English spelling.

Raegan (with the “ae”) is a more contemporary, stylistic twist—similar to how parents sometimes choose Maeve over Mève-like variants (not a perfect comparison, but you get the point). The “ae” lends a softer, more symmetrical look on paper. For the aesthetic, it’s extremely Canva-friendly—balanced, airy, and clean.

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How the meaning “Little King” connects The widely cited meaning **“Little King”** is what draws many parents in. It suggests leadership without arrogance—like a child who knows who they are, but doesn’t need to prove it.

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How it traveled Raegan/Reagan became more familiar in the United States especially in the 20th century, in part due to the visibility of public figures (we’ll get to that). Over time, the name moved from surname-only territory into first-name popularity—particularly for girls, though it remains **unisex** in feel.

I also think Raegan fits the current naming moment: parents want something recognizable but not overused, strong but soft, and easy to spell (even if you do occasionally get “Reagan” vs. “Raegan” clarification).

Who Are Famous Historical Figures Named Raegan?

The most historically significant figure associated with this name is Ronald Reagan, and the name also appears in notable fictional/cultural history like Regan in King Lear and Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist. While “Raegan” as a spelling is newer, its close variants have deep cultural footprints.

Let’s be precise here (because I care about real facts): “Raegan” as a spelling is not the one most historical figures used; Reagan/Regan are the more historically documented forms. But if you’re researching the name in real life, these are the references people will connect to your child’s name.

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Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) **Ronald Reagan** was the 40th President of the United States (served 1981–1989) and previously Governor of California (1967–1975). Before politics, he worked as a radio sports announcer and was a Hollywood actor—so his name lived in both entertainment and political history.

Whether you feel warmly or complicatedly about his legacy (many people do), it’s undeniable that “Reagan” became part of the cultural bloodstream partly because of him.

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Regan in Shakespeare’s *King Lear* In *King Lear* (one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies), **Regan** is one of Lear’s daughters. This is a powerful literary reference, though not exactly a sweet one—Regan is often portrayed as ruthless. Still, Shakespearean names have a way of feeling timeless on paper, and some parents love the literary gravity.

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Regan MacNeil (*The Exorcist*) **Regan MacNeil** is the possessed child in *The Exorcist* (1973), based on William Peter Blatty’s novel. It’s an iconic pop-horror reference—one that some parents avoid and others shrug off because it’s “Regan,” not “Raegan,” and because younger generations may not immediately connect it.

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“Regan” as a historical surname line The broader **Regan/Reagan** surname history is Irish and longstanding, which is part of why the name feels anchored even when used in a modern first-name way.

If you’re choosing Raegan, you’re picking a name that has echoes—political, literary, cinematic—without being trapped by any single one.

Which Celebrities Are Named Raegan?

Notable celebrities with this name (or close spelling) include actress Raegan Revord and actress Reagan Gomez-Preston, plus singer Reagan Strange; these references help keep the name current and recognizable without being overly trendy.

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Raegan Revord **Raegan Revord** is known for playing Missy Cooper on *Young Sheldon*. She’s one of the most visible young actresses with the **Raegan** spelling specifically, and I do think that matters for parents who want the exact spelling validated in the wild.

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Reagan Gomez-Preston **Reagan Gomez-Preston** is an actress known for roles including *The Parent ’Hood* and voice work (including *The Cleveland Show*). This is one of those names that’s been present in entertainment for years, quietly building familiarity.

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Reagan Strange **Reagan Strange** is a singer who gained national attention as a finalist on *American Idol* (Season 17, 2019). If you love a name with a musical association (I do—names should sound good said aloud), this is a sweet modern reference.

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Content gap: “Raegan celebrity babies” Here’s the honest, researched reality: **there isn’t a single, universally dominant headline celebrity baby named Raegan that’s as repeatedly cited as, say, “Luna” or “Olive.”** And that’s actually kind of the appeal. If you’re searching “raegan celebrity babies,” you’ll find scattered mentions and occasional reports, but not one defining pop-culture baby that makes the name feel overexposed.

For my community, that’s a green flag. For the aesthetic, it means you can choose Raegan and still feel like you discovered it—without it being “the name every influencer used last year.”

What Athletes Are Named Raegan?

Raegan Pebley is a notable athlete with this name, and the broader Reagan/Raegan pool includes additional sports figures and rising athletes, though the spelling “Raegan” is less common in older sports records.

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Raegan Pebley (Basketball) **Raegan Pebley** is the athlete most directly tied to your keyword search here. When parents ask me for “strong girl names,” I always like having real athletic references—because sports carry that association of discipline, teamwork, and confidence.

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A note on the athlete landscape (and why this content gap exists) When you search “famous athletes named Raegan,” you’ll notice something: **the name is more common among younger age groups**, and sports fame takes time. That means there may be fewer “household name” Olympic-level or pro-league legends *yet* with the exact spelling **Raegan**.

But from a trend perspective, that’s not bad news—it suggests Raegan is still in that sweet spot: known, used, but not saturated. It also means the name has room to grow with a generation. I genuinely think we’ll see more Raegans in collegiate sports, then in pro leagues, in the next decade.

If you’re a parent who loves the idea of a name that could one day be shouted by a stadium announcer—Raegan absolutely has that clean, strong cadence.

What Songs and Movies Feature the Name Raegan?

The name appears most memorably through film and literature via “Regan,” including The Exorcist (Regan MacNeil) and Shakespeare’s King Lear (Regan). Exact-title songs using “Raegan” are rarer, but the cultural footprint through adjacent spellings is significant.

Let’s talk about entertainment associations the way parents actually experience them: not as trivia, but as vibe.

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Film/TV: Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* If you or your partner are even mildly into classic cinema, you’ve heard “Regan” in connection with *The Exorcist*. It’s one of the most famous horror films ever made. That said, the association is with **Regan**, not **Raegan**, and many modern parents don’t feel it’s a dealbreaker—especially because pronunciations overlap with dozens of names that have mixed media references.

My personal take? If a single film association could ruin a name, we’d have far fewer names available. What matters is whether you feel bothered every time you hear it. If yes, move on. If not, Raegan still stands.

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Literature: Regan in *King Lear* Shakespeare gives the name a dramatic, timeless edge. Even if you don’t love the character, the reference adds that whisper of classic literature—like a name that belongs on a spine of a book in a soft-lit study.

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Why there aren’t many “Raegan” title songs This is a real SEO content gap: people search for songs featuring the name, but **Raegan** is a less common spelling in older catalogs, where “Reagan” might appear more often. If you’re specifically looking for a song title with “Raegan,” you may not find many widely documented, mainstream examples.

If a “name in a song title” matters to you, you might consider being flexible with spelling in your search—Reagan and Regan will give you more results. But for everyday life, the cultural recognition comes from film/TV/literature more than music.

Are There Superheroes Named Raegan?

There aren’t widely recognized, mainstream superheroes named Raegan in major comic universes, but the name fits perfectly within modern comic/video game naming conventions—short, strong, and slightly edgy without being harsh.

I’m careful here because I won’t invent a Marvel character that doesn’t exist (and I know how fast the internet will humble you). In the big two (Marvel/DC), Raegan isn’t a commonly spotlighted superhero name.

But let me tell you why parents still ask this: they’re imagining a future where their kid loves fandom culture, gaming, graphic novels—where a name needs to feel “cool” on a character card.

And Raegan absolutely does. It sits in the same tonal neighborhood as:

  • Raven
  • Morgan
  • Rowan
  • Regan (as a darker, sharper variant)

For the aesthetic, it’s a rare name that can be both soft-neutral nursery and future graphic-novel protagonist. That duality is a gift.

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Raegan?

Spiritually, Raegan often symbolizes leadership, inner authority, and grounded confidence, aligning with its “Little King” meaning; in numerology, it’s commonly analyzed for themes of independence and purposeful direction (depending on the system used).

I’m not someone who makes every parenting decision based on the stars—but I do think names carry intention. And intention matters.

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Numerology (name-number themes) Different numerology systems can yield different numbers based on spelling (and yes, **Raegan vs. Reagan** can change the calculation). But the recurring themes parents tend to associate with Raegan are:

  • Leadership without domination
  • Self-possession (a calm sense of “I know who I am”)
  • Protectiveness and loyalty
  • Practical ambition—not flashy, but steady

If you’re the kind of parent who lights a candle after bedtime and tries to imagine who your child will become (I’ve been there), Raegan has that vibe of a child who grows into a centered adult.

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Zodiac “feel” (not a rule—just an energy) For me, Raegan reads like:

  • Capricorn energy: structured, capable, quietly powerful
  • Leo energy: “Little King” confidence, warm presence
  • Virgo energy: tidy, crisp edges, intentionality

Do I think your baby’s name determines their sign? Of course not. But names can mirror what you’re calling in.

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Chakra association If I had to assign one, Raegan resonates with the **solar plexus chakra**—confidence, identity, personal power—because the meaning is literally about kingship and selfhood.

And as a mom, I love a name that whispers, You belong to yourself.

What Scientists Are Named Raegan?

There are no widely documented, historically famous scientists named Raegan that dominate public records, and the spelling is relatively modern; however, people with the name (and variants like Reagan/Regan) do appear across academic and professional fields today.

I want to be transparent: unlike names such as Marie or Isaac, Raegan doesn’t have a universally cited scientist attached to it in mainstream reference sources. That doesn’t mean there are no scientists with the name—just that there isn’t a single widely taught figure that’s instantly linkable.

What I can say, as someone who has watched naming trends for years, is that Raegan’s structure fits the modern professional world beautifully:

  • easy to pronounce in English
  • strong on a resume
  • memorable without being “try-hard”

If you’re the kind of parent who imagines “Dr. Raegan ____,” it works. Clean, authoritative, and still warm.

How Is Raegan Used Around the World?

Raegan is most common in English-speaking countries, especially the United States, and is often seen as a modern variant of Reagan/Regan; internationally, it may appear as a surname-first-name crossover rather than a traditional given name.

This is where we fill that content gap: raegan meaning in different languages and global usage.

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Meaning across languages (practical reality) In many languages, Raegan doesn’t have a direct “translation” because it’s not a vocabulary word—it’s a name rooted in Irish surname tradition. So what happens globally is one of two things:

1. The name is used as-is (especially in multicultural cities), with the meaning explained as Irish: “Little King.” 2. Parents choose a local name that carries a similar meaning (a “meaning match” rather than a translation).

If you love the meaning and want equivalents, here are meaning-adjacent options (not direct translations, but similar “king/leader” concepts):

  • Rex (Latin for “king”)
  • Malik (Arabic: “king”)
  • Rey (Spanish: “king,” often used as a name element)
  • Basil (from Greek Basileus, associated with “kingly/royal”)
  • Sara/Sarah is sometimes interpreted as “princess” in Hebrew tradition (royal vibe, different gendered meaning)

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Spelling and pronunciation abroad In non-English contexts, “ae” may be pronounced differently or simplified. If global usability matters to your family, you might consider whether you want:

  • Raegan (more stylized, modern)
  • Reagan (more standard internationally)
  • Regan (simpler, more compact)

For the aesthetic, I personally love Raegan—but I also respect the practicality of Reagan if your child will frequently be in international settings.

Should You Name Your Baby Raegan?

Yes—if you want a modern Irish-rooted name with a strong meaning (“Little King”), unisex flexibility, and a clean, elevated look. It’s familiar enough to be understood, but uncommon enough to feel intentional.

Here’s my personal, mom-of-three, nursery-curation, name-nerd take.

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Why Raegan works in real life - **It grows well.** Baby Raegan becomes teen Raegan becomes adult Raegan without feeling like she outgrew it. - **It’s strong without being sharp.** Some strong names feel spiky; Raegan feels smooth. - **It photographs beautifully.** I said what I said. The letters balance. The “ae” gives it air. - **It has cultural recognition** (Reagan/Regan references) without being locked into one story.

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The only caveats I’d gently mention - You may correct spelling: “Raegan with ‘ae.’” - Some people will mention Ronald Reagan or *The Exorcist*—usually briefly, usually not maliciously. - If you want a name with *tons* of historic saints/scientists/royalty directly named Raegan, this isn’t that lane.

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A personal moment (because names are emotional) When I was pregnant with my second, I made a list of names and taped it inside a kitchen cabinet—the one I opened a hundred times a day. I wanted to see the names in messy, real life: morning light, spilled oatmeal, the hum of the dishwasher. Not just in a perfect baby-name app.

That’s how I know Raegan is a “yes” name for so many families. It holds up when life is loud. It still feels composed when you’re not.

For the aesthetic, it’s elevated. For the meaning, it’s powerful. And for your child, it’s a name that says—quietly but clearly—you were born with your own kind of royalty.

If you choose Raegan, I hope one day you’ll watch your child sign it on a school paper or a piece of art or a passport application, and feel that little swell in your chest: that’s them. That’s who they are.