"counsel, power"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Reginald
Pronunciation: [ r-EHJ-uhn-uhld ]
Does Reginald flow with your last name?
A distinguished Victorian classic meaning 'powerful, wise ruler'
English
Scottish
American
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Meaning & Origin
"powerful ruler"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
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The Story of Reginald
Reginald derives from the Old High German 'Raginald,' composed of 'ragin' (counsel, decision) and 'wald' (rule, power), meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'wise counselor.' Brought to England by the Normans as 'Reynaud' or 'Renaud,' it evolved through medieval English into Reginald. The name was common in medieval nobility and carried connotations of authority and wisdom throughout the British Isles.
Reginald was solidly popular in England and the United States through the early and mid-20th century, often associated with British aristocracy and formal respectability. It began declining in the 1950s–60s but retains a dignified vintage charm that attracts parents seeking distinguished, uncommon names today.
The name is deeply associated with British culture, particularly English nobility. 'Reggie' as a nickname has a warm, approachable quality that contrasts pleasantly with the formal full name. Elton John, born Reginald Dwight, is perhaps the most famous modern bearer.
Historical Record
Reginald first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 94,016 babies have been named Reginald in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reginald is past its peak , currently ranked #1,181 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Elton John's birth name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight — he changed it at age 20
- The Italian form Rinaldo features in several operas and medieval romances as a heroic knight
Reginald in Other Languages
Dutch
Reinoud
French
Renaud
German
Reinhold
Italian
Rinaldo
Spanish
Reinaldo
Popularity Over Time
#1,181
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1968
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reginald
R
Reginald VelJohnson
Actor
1952
American actor best known as Carl Winslow in the TV series Family Matters (1989–1997)
E
Elton John
Musician
1947
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, the British rock icon is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with hits spann...
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, the British rock icon is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with hits spanning six decades
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,181
- Total SSA Count
- 176
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Reg
Reggie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reginald
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reginald is also used as a girl name, ranked #68129.
View Reginald as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reginald
What does the name Reginald mean?
"counsel, power" (from Germanic). "powerful ruler" (from Old High German). Reginald derives from the Old High German 'Raginald,' composed of 'ragin' (counsel, decision) and 'wald' (rule, power), meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'wise counselor.' Brought to England by the Normans as 'Reynaud' or 'Renaud,' it evolved through medieval English into Reginald. The name was common in medieval nobility and carried connotations of authority and wisdom throughout the British Isles.
What is the origin of the name Reginald?
Reginald has Germanic, Old High German, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "counsel, power". In Old High German, it means "powerful ruler".
Is Reginald a boy or girl name?
Reginald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1181. As a girl name, it is ranked #68129. Reginald is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reginald?
Reginald is pronounced r-EHJ-uhn-uhld.
How popular is the name Reginald?
Reginald is currently ranked #1181 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reginald?
Common nicknames for Reginald include Reg and Reggie.
What are good middle names for Reginald?
Popular middle name pairings include Reginald Arthur, Reginald James, Reginald Edward, Reginald Thomas, Reginald William, and Reginald George.
What are good sibling names for Reginald?
Names that pair well with Reginald as siblings include Archibald, Theodore, Millicent, Beatrice, Edmund, and Gertrude.
How many syllables does Reginald have?
Reginald has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Reginald a common or rare name?
Reginald is an uncommon name, ranked #1181 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Reginald
Reginald is a boy name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "counsel, power" in Germanic .
Is Reginald a boy or girl name? Reginald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,181 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #68,129. Reginald is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reginald is currently ranked #1,181 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reginald has 3 syllables and is pronounced r-EHJ-uhn-uhld, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Reginald include Reg and Reggie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis