Raegan

Meaning & Etymology

The name "Raegan" is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Riagáin," meaning "descendant of Riagán." The name Riagán itself is believed to come from the Old Irish word "rí," meaning "king," combined with the diminutive suffix "-gán," denoting "little king" or "royal." This etymology suggests a regal and noble connotation associated with the name.

Linguistic Origin

The name "Raegan" has its roots in Irish Gaelic, reflecting its cultural and linguistic origin. It belongs to the broader category of Irish names, which often have rich mythological and historical significance. The linguistic peculiarity lies in its use of the diminutive suffix "-gán" to convey the meaning of "little king."

Cultural Background

The name "Raegan" does not have deep-seated religious or spiritual connotations. However, it reflects the cultural significance of Irish heritage and the influence of Gaelic traditions in naming practices.

Pronunciation

The name "Raegan" is pronounced as RAY-guhn. The emphasis is on the first syllable "RAY," which is pronounced like the word "ray." There are no widely recognized regional pronunciation variants for this name.

Gender Usage

The name "Raegan" is primarily used for girls in the United States. It is considered a unisex name, but it has been more popular for girls in recent years.

Nicknames & Variants

Nicknames

  • Rae
  • Reggie
  • Rea
  • Ray
  • Ree
  • Reegs
  • Rara
  • Reags
  • Ree-Rae
  • Reg

Variants

  • Reagan
  • Regan
  • Reaghan
  • Reagen
  • Reagin
  • Reagyn
  • Raygan
  • Raygen
  • Raygin
  • Raygen

Origins & History

Historical Namesakes

  • Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States
  • Reagan Gomez-Preston, American actress

Mythology & Literature

The name "Raegan" does not have direct mythological or literary references. However, it shares linguistic roots with Irish mythology and folklore, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Gaelic tradition.

Historical Significance

The most notable bearer of the name "Raegan" is Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who significantly impacted American politics and global affairs during his presidency.

Additional Information

Popularity & Demographics

In the United States, "Raegan" is a relatively uncommon name. It did not rank in the top 1000 names for any gender in the year 2020, indicating its lower frequency in usage.

Trend Analysis

The name "Raegan" has seen a moderate level of popularity in recent years, particularly for girls. It is expected to maintain its relatively uncommon status in the near future.

Geographical Distribution

The name "Raegan" is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Ireland, reflecting its Irish origin and the influence of Irish diaspora.

Personality Traits

Individuals with the name "Raegan" are often associated with traits such as leadership, confidence, and charisma, reflecting the regal connotations of the name's etymology. They may also embody a strong sense of independence and determination.

Compatibility & Initials

The name "Raegan" is phonetically compatible with a wide range of surnames and middle names. Its initial "R" can create harmonious combinations with various initials, and it is culturally versatile in naming conventions.

Sociolinguistic Usage

The usage of the name "Raegan" may be influenced by cultural and social factors, with its connection to historical figures like Ronald Reagan impacting its perception and associations. It may also be influenced by naming trends and preferences within specific communities or regions.

Famous Quotes

  • "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." - Ronald Reagan

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