"queen"
Regina
Pronunciation: [ r-ihj-EEN-uh ]
Does Regina flow with your last name?
The original queen name — regal since ancient Rome
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Regina
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Regina
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"queen, ruler"
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Similar to Regina
See all →What the Regina report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Regina the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Put Regina head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →See what Regina actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →Things to Know About This Name
- Regina George is the iconic mean girl from Mean Girls (2004), making the name strongly associated with queen bee/bully archetype
The Story of Regina
Regina comes directly from the Latin word 'regina,' meaning 'queen,' the feminine form of 'rex' (king). The name has been used since early Christian times, associated with the Virgin Mary through the title 'Regina Caeli' (Queen of Heaven) and the Marian antiphon sung during Eastertide. Saints named Regina appear in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, including Saint Regina (also known as Saint Reine) martyred in the 3rd century in Burgundy.
Regina was most popular in the US from the 1930s through the 1960s, particularly in Catholic families who chose it as a devotional name honoring the Virgin Mary. Its use has declined since, though it remains common in Italy and Eastern Europe. The 2004 film Mean Girls gave the name a new cultural association that affects modern perception.
In Catholic devotional tradition, Regina is one of the most significant titles of the Virgin Mary. The 'Salve Regina' (Hail, Holy Queen) is one of the oldest and most beloved Marian prayers. The city of Regina, capital of Saskatchewan, Canada, was named in honor of Queen Victoria.
Historical Record
Regina first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 141,436 babies have been named Regina in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Regina is past its peak , currently ranked #340 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Regina is the Latin title used in formal documents for a reigning queen
- The city of Regina, Saskatchewan was named by Princess Louise in 1882 in honor of her mother Queen Victoria
- Regina Spektor is a Grammy-nominated Russian-American singer-songwriter
Regina in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Regina
Regina Spektor
Musician
1980
Russian-American singer-songwriter known for her eclectic indie pop style
Regina King
Actor
1971
Academy Award-winning American actress known for If Beale Street Could Talk and Watchmen
Regina George Fictional
Other
The iconic queen bee and antagonist of the 2004 film Mean Girls, played by Rachel McAdams
Names You Might Also Love
See all →"Aryan, noble people"
"graceful beauty"
"free woman"
"the largest, supreme"
Compare Regina with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #340
- Total SSA Count
- 911
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Latin Catholic Eastern European American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Regina
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Regina fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Regina is also used as a boy name, ranked #20234.
View Regina as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Regina →For Parents
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Regina with...
Same Origin Names (Italian)
See all Italian names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Regina
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Regina and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Regina sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →American origin
#315 in US
Indo-Iranian origin
"Aryan, noble people"
#162 in US
French compound (Anna + Belle) origin
"graceful beauty"
#349 in US
Spanish, from Carlota origin
"free woman"
#272 in US
Latin origin
"the largest, supreme"
#521 in US
Latin origin
"brave, courageous (lion-like)"
#488 in US
Hebrew origin
"lioness of God"
#196 in US
Hebrew origin
"God is my judge"
#507 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Regina's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regina
What does the name Regina mean?
What is the origin of the name Regina?
Is Regina a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Regina?
How popular is the name Regina?
What are common nicknames for Regina?
What are good middle names for Regina?
What are good sibling names for Regina?
How many syllables does Regina have?
Is Regina a common or rare name?
About the Name Regina
Regina is a girl name with Italian, Latin, Catholic, Eastern European, and American origins . The name means "queen" in Latin .
Is Regina a boy or girl name? Regina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #340 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,234. Regina is more commonly used as a girl name.
Regina is currently ranked #340 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Regina has 3 syllables and is pronounced r-ihj-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Regina include Gina, Reggie, and Rina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
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