Regina

What does the baby name “Regina” mean?

Regina is the Latin word for queen, a name of regal simplicity that has been given to girls for centuries as a word of honor, power, and grace.

Origin of the baby name Regina

Regina comes directly from the Latin word meaning queen, making it one of the most literally regal names in the English-speaking tradition. The name was closely associated in the Christian tradition with the Virgin Mary as Regina Caeli, Queen of Heaven, a title that gave the name deep spiritual significance beyond its literal meaning. It is a doublet of the Sanskrit-derived name Rani, both words meaning queen but arriving through entirely different linguistic paths, a remarkable convergence of Latin and South Asian language roots.

History of the baby name “Regina”

Regina has been in use as a given name throughout the Catholic world for many centuries, sustained by its association with Marian devotion and the honoring of holy women. It was brought to many English-speaking countries through Catholic communities and also through royal associations, with the Canadian city of Regina named for Queen Victoria, reflecting the name's persistent royal connotations. It was most popular as a given name in the mid-20th century and carries a certain dignified vintage quality today.

Why parents choose the baby name “Regina”

Regina is a name that does not need to be explained: its meaning is right there in the sound and the spelling, queen in six letters. For parents who want a name that is both elegant and strong, with genuine historical depth and a beautiful Latinate sound, Regina is a compelling choice. Its nickname Reggie offers an unexpectedly playful and friendly everyday form.

Nicknames for the Baby Name “Regina”

Reg, Regy, Regin, Regkin, Regster, Regerino, Reginator

Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Regina”

Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Regina might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.

Variations on the baby name “Regina”

Regina has many beautiful relatives across European languages. In French it becomes Reine or Régine, in Spanish Reina, in German and Dutch Regine. The Finnish form Reija and the Sami form Regiinná carry the name into the Nordic world. All of these names trace back to the same Latin root, making Regina part of a truly pan-European tradition of names meaning queen.

Baby names similar to “Regina”

These baby names share spelling patterns with Regina and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.

Baby names that sound like “Regina”

Baby sibling names for Regina

Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Regina →

Baby Middle Names for Regina

Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Regina, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.

The “Name Game” for “Regina”

Baby names starting with REG

Baby names ending with INA