Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Regina

The name Regina comes to us from the Latin language and means “queen”. The name has been in use since medieval times influenced in part by St. Regina, a 3rd century French saint and virgin martyr (in France, she’s known as Sainte Reine). Regina’s mother died in childbirth and her pagan father rejected her. A Christian nurse took her in and baptized her. As a young woman, she was beheaded for refusing to give up her Christian faith as a stipulation of her marriage to a Roman pagan proconsul. Virgin martyrs became quite venerated in the Middle Ages and names of admired saints were given to children as a protective measure. Regina was one such example of this medieval naming trend. Aside from that, “Regina Coeli” (Queen of Heaven) became a popular Latin epithet for the Virgin Mother in the early Middle Ages. This also served to influence the name Regina centuries ago. In England, the name experienced a revival in the 19th century and spread among other English-speaking nations. Régine, Geena, Gina, Ina and Jeanna are all considered variant forms of Regina. Regina is currently most popular in Hungary where it’s a Top 50 favorite girl’s name.

All About the Baby Name – Regina

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME REGINA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME REGINA

Regina has been around and surprisingly popular in America for well over 100 years. It’s only right now that the name is starting to experience a more serious decline in usage. The biggest comment we hear about this name has to do with pronunciation concerns. In the United States, Regina is usually pronounced rə-GEE-nə (as opposed to rə-GIE-nə which happens to rhyme with a female body part). We could see how this might cause the potential for some schoolyard teasing, but it also seems like a sophomoric concern in the big picture. The beauty and elegance of this name far outweighs the silliness of Regina/vagina comparisons. Regal and “queenly” but also loaded with Christian (particularly Catholic) importance. The height of Regina’s success came during the 1960s; the only decade where she achieved Top 100 status. Since the 1970s, however, the name has been in a slow and steady decline. In more recent years, Regina has been remembered for the character (Regina, “Queen” of the Plastics) played by Rachel McAdams in the 2004 film “Mean Girls”. A pretty name fitting for a pretty girl. Gina is the most obvious nickname for Regina, but we also like the cute androgynous Reggie.

Quick Facts

ON REGINA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Latin

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

574

PRONUNCIATION:

rə-GEE-nə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Queen

Characteristics

OF REGINA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Regina

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME REGINA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME REGINA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Regina


Popular Songs

ON REGINA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Regina


Famous People

NAMED REGINA

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Regina.

Children of Famous People

NAMED REGINA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Regina

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME REGINA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Regina