Regina

Pronunciation: [ r-ihj-EEN-uh ]

Girl Name #340 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

The original queen name — regal since ancient Rome

Italian Latin Catholic Eastern European American

Royal Classic Elegant Bold Formal

Meaning & Origin

"queen"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

"queen, ruler"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

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.

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

Latin Regina

French Reine

German Regina

Polish Regina

Italian Regina

Spanish Reina

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

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

Gina Reggie Rina

Pairs Well With

Regina Maria Regina Elena Regina Louise Regina Anne Regina Claire Regina Sophia

Sibling Names

Victoria Cecilia Leo Marcus Vivienne Constantine

Also a Boy Name

Regina is also used as a boy name, ranked #20234.

View Regina as a boy name →

Similar Names

Maria Nina Ina Rena Tina Celina Selina Tabitha

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Regina

What does the name Regina mean?

"queen" (from Latin). "queen, ruler" (from Latin). 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.

What is the origin of the name Regina?

Regina has Latin, Italian, Catholic, Eastern European, and American origins. In Latin, it means "queen". In Latin, it means "queen, ruler".

Is Regina a boy or girl name?

Regina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #340. As a boy name, it is ranked #20234. Regina is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Regina?

Regina is pronounced r-ihj-EEN-uh.

How popular is the name Regina?

Regina is currently ranked #340 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Regina?

Common nicknames for Regina include Gina, Reggie, and Rina.

What are good middle names for Regina?

Popular middle name pairings include Regina Maria, Regina Elena, Regina Louise, Regina Anne, Regina Claire, and Regina Sophia.

What are good sibling names for Regina?

Names that pair well with Regina as siblings include Victoria, Cecilia, Leo, Marcus, Vivienne, and Constantine.

How many syllables does Regina have?

Regina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Regina a common or rare name?

Regina is a popular name, ranked #340 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

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.