Reginald

Pronunciation: [ r-EHJ-uhn-uhld ]

Boy Name #1,181 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A distinguished Victorian classic meaning 'powerful, wise ruler'

English Scottish American

Classic Vintage Formal Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"counsel, power"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

"powerful ruler"

Origin: Old High German

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Reginald

Reginald VelJohnson

Actor

1952

American actor best known as Carl Winslow in the TV series Family Matters (1989–1997)

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

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

Pairs Well With

Reginald Arthur Reginald James Reginald Edward Reginald Thomas Reginald William Reginald George

Sibling Names

Archibald Theodore Millicent Beatrice Edmund Gertrude

Also a Girl Name

Reginald is also used as a girl name, ranked #68129.

View Reginald as a girl name →

Similar Names

Howard Donald Arnold Roland Archibald Gerald Oswald Randall

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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.