Ragan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname O'Raghnallaigh, which translates to "descendant of Raghnall." Raghnall itself is an old Irish personal name that means "little king" or "kinglet," suggesting a proud and regal lineage.
The name Ragan has been historically associated with the O'Rahilly clan, who were significant chieftains in County Kerry, Ireland. The O'Rahillys played a notable role in Irish history, particularly during the medieval period, and their influence can still be felt in Irish culture today.
While Ragan may not be as commonly used as some other Irish names, it has nonetheless gained popularity in recent years, especially among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. Its strong Irish roots and regal connotations make it an attractive choice for those interested in Celtic history and culture.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Ragan is often associated with leadership, strength, and nobility. This is likely due to its translation as "little king" or "kinglet," which implies a certain level of authority and power. Additionally, because the name has Irish origins, it may also be associated with qualities like creativity, resilience, and spiritual depth, which are often attributed to people of Irish descent.
Overall, Ragan is a unique and meaningful given name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its regal connotations and strong Irish roots make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Ragan has seen varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
From 1923 to 2021, there were a total of 394 babies named Ragan born in the U.S. The most popular years for the name were in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with peaks of 14 births in both 1963 and 1965, followed by another peak of 14 births in 1978.
The popularity of the name Ragan seemed to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with only a few births each year. However, it picked up again in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with another peak of 10 births in 2003.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Ragan has continued to fluctuate, with between five to nine births each year from 2004 to 2021. Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that the name Ragan has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. over time, with a total of nearly four hundred babies named Ragan born since 1923.
It's interesting to note that while the popularity of many names can vary greatly depending on cultural trends and preferences, the name Ragan appears to have maintained a consistent level of popularity throughout its history in the U.S., albeit with some peaks and valleys along the way.