Reginald Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Reginald has its roots in Old High German, meaning 'counsel power'. It evolved through several historical forms, reflecting its noble lineage. The name is characterized by traits of leadership and authority, with no direct biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in medieval England and remains recognized today, though less frequently used.
The name Reginald is most popular in District of Columbia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Reginald has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Reginald' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 323rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 266th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 155th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 148th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 225th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 479th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 896th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6846th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8072nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3488th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3239th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6998th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Reginald' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Reginald"
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛdʒɪnəld/
Origin
Old High German
Etymology
The name Reginald derives from the Old High German name 'Reginhwald', which is composed of the elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice' and 'wald' meaning 'power' or 'rule'.
Meaning
counsel power
Language Evolution
Reginhwald, Reginold, Reginaldus, Reginald
Historical Usage
The name Reginald gained popularity in England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and was borne by several saints and nobles, contributing to its use in medieval times.
Variants & Derivatives
Reggie, Reg, Regi
Modern Popularity & Image
Reginald is perceived as a traditional and somewhat formal name, often associated with nobility and leadership, though it is less common in contemporary usage.
Famous People
Reginald Fessenden (Canadian inventor), Reginald Dwayne Betts (American poet and attorney), Reginald Perrin (fictional character in a British television series)
Explore More Reginald Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Reginald"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Reginald"
"Reginald" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 323rd of 7545 | 5,202 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 266th of 6773 | 8,145 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 155th of 7552 | 35,733 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 148th of 10718 | 30,846 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 225th of 16616 | 19,563 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 479th of 24088 | 8,574 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 896th of 23106 | 2,948 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6846th of 9107 | 18 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3488th of 12526 | 224 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3239th of 19264 | 335 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6998th of 27321 | 170 |
Regional Popularity of "Reginald" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
27.19% 385th/1416 |
14.14% 195th/1379 |
14.58% 345th/2366 |
31.70% 362nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
18.37% 284th/1546 |
10.35% 161st/1556 |
11.64% 274th/2353 |
20.10% 311th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.40% 187th/2227 |
6.50% 158th/2430 |
4.00% 114th/2853 |
9.30% 258th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.47% 190th/2937 |
5.25% 183rd/3483 |
2.67% 94th/3518 |
7.54% 305th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
6.24% 230th/3685 |
5.83% 261st/4475 |
2.95% 153rd/5194 |
6.22% 393rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
11.31% 518th/4582 |
11.93% 616th/5164 |
4.73% 346th/7313 |
11.74% 876th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
23.67% 943rd/3984 |
26.65% 1196th/4487 |
10.69% 729th/6822 |
20.47% 1285th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Reginald" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
95.37% 2721st/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
78.14% 2749th/3518 |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Reginald"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Reginald" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.