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I like it, but only pronounced "REE-gan" (not like the US president!). I think it's passable because it is pronounced differently and has a literary association.
The negative Shakespeare connotation doesn't bother me. Most Shakespearean names seem to be from tragedies, anyway, so I don't think it matters.

Yes, King Lear does give it a negative vibe, but for me it's mostly the sound. I just really really hate how it sounds. It sounds so unfeminine to me. :::Shrug::: Nothing I can really do to change that.

King Lear might have been written a long time ago, but it's still a well known play. Personally, I'm also bothered by the similarity with Reagan (as in Ronald), admitedly it depends on one's politics but it's not necessarily the greatest association.

This message was edited 11/8/2009, 3:16 AM

I think this is a great name, I don't know what's wrong with some people! Lol. It's totally usable, I'd love to meet a Regan! =)

I think it's still usable. Years ago, I wanted to name a daughter Regan Alexis, but I wouldn't use Regan now because of Ronald Reagan. I personally prefer it pronounced RAY-gan as opposed to REE-gan even though RAY-gan comes along with the President association. After reading some of the other replies, it seems like that wouldn't be much of an issue outside of the U.S. though.

This message was edited 11/7/2009, 8:15 PM

I don't mind it

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I actually rather like the Exorcist connection... but then, I am a bit of a Horror buff. And I'm not American so I'm not too concerned about the possible President connection. And of course there is the Shakespeare tie! I don't find it overly trendy at all.

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The middle name can dictate what kind of vibe you want to give it. Picking another Shakespeare or similar name could heighten that connection. Like Regan Ophelia, Regan Katharina (which I really like!), or Regan Viola. A different middle name name (Regan Hannah, Regan Elizabeth or Regan Lily, for example) downplays the literary tie and makes it more modern (and possibly "trendy"). All up to you!

I am a huge fan of people using names they really, truly love. If you really love it, put it on your regular (as in, non-GP) list and use it. A girl named Regan will not have any difficulties in the world.

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We can't all love Genevieve and Beatrix here (I think I'd leave BTN if that's how it was :P)

My first thought was Shakespeare, and a girl I knew back in college with the name (she had a beautiful voice), so my associations with the name are pretty good. That said, I would probably never use it because it doesn't sound girly enough for me. I would go with Megan instead, or if you want to use R- I suggest Rosalyn / Rosaline, Rosalind or Rowena.

I don't think the fact that King Lear was written a long time ago makes much of a difference in this case. Shakespeare and his works have been incredibly well known for centuries, and will be for centuries to come.

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That said, it's not like naming your kid Hamlet, in that it's not as associated with Shakespeare.

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I personally really dislike the name. I find the sound whiney and I think it's trendy and androgynous. But, I don't think a little Regan would have much difficulty due to her name. There are enough similar-sounding popular names right now (Tegan, Keegan, Teagan, Reagan, Logan, Megan, etc.) that I can't foresee her getting any grief for it.

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This message was edited 11/7/2009, 6:36 PM

I like it a lot pronounced REE-gan. I don't like it so much pronounced RAY-gan but it's not terrible that way or anything. No, I doubt most people know who Regan was in King Lear so it doesn't really matter. I think she would find out, though. Most people I know have googled their name.