The word ‘regal’ means having the characteristics of, or suitable for, a king or queen – and is often used to describe someone or something that is dignified, majestic, or royal in appearance, behavior, or manner.
For example, a person with a commanding presence might be described as having a regal bearing – though the term can also be used to describe objects, settings, or actions that are grand or fit for royalty.
With that said, regal names are those that have associations with kings, queens, emperors, or other royal figures – and they often carry a sense of elegance and authority that resonates with its monarchist origin.
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Just think about regal names like Charles or Elizabeth, which are inspired by the current king and former queen of the British empire, or names like Ryan or Reina, which quite literally translate to king and queen.
These names have been used for centuries, and we don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, the name Elizabeth was ranked as the 15th most popular girls name in the US last year, and the name Charles was the 54th most popular boys name – with 6,566 and 5,395 recorded births, respectively.
If you’re interested in regal names for your child, then you’ll love the names we picked out for you below!
Regal Names With Monarch-Like Meanings: Baby Boy Edition
Whether you envision your son as a leader, someone with the confidence to take on challenges, or simply want a name with a regal signficance, selecting a name with a king-like meaning is a great place to start.
And don’t worry – that’s where regal names come into play.
With that said, we’re going to start things off with a list of boy names that have monarch-esque meanings – such as names that translate to ‘little king,’ ‘leader,’ ‘ruler,’ or even ‘lion’ (the coveted king of the jungle).
Let’s take a look at 10 of the most popular regal names with monarch-like meanings.
10. Amir
Origin: Amir is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Amir is derived from the Arabic word amir, meaning “prince” or “commander.”
Meaning: The name Amir translates to “prince” or “commander.”
9. Ryan
Origin: Ryan is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Ryan is derived from the Irish surname Ó Riain, meaning “descendant of Rían.” The name Rían means “little king” in Gaelic.
Meaning: The name Ryan translates to “little king.”
8. Reagan
Origin: Reagan is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Reagan is derived from the Irish surname Ó Riagáin, meaning “descendant of Riagán,” with Riagán meaning “little king.”
Meaning: The name Reagan translates to “little king.”
7. Duke
Origin: Duke is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Duke is derived from the Latin word dux, meaning “leader” or “commander,” and became a title of nobility in England.
Meaning: The name Duke translates to “leader” or “commander.”
6. Leo
Origin: Leo is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Leo is derived from the Latin word leo, meaning “lion.” It was used as a given name in Roman times and later associated with strength and bravery.
Meaning: The name Leo translates to “lion,” the king of the jungle.
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5. Alexander
Origin: Alexander is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Alexander is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning “defender of the people,” from the elements alexein (to defend) and aner (man).
Meaning: The name Alexander translates to “defender of the people.”
4. Rex
Origin: Rex is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Rex is derived from the Latin word rex, meaning “king.”
Meaning: The name Rex translates to “king.”
3. Malik
Origin: Malik is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Malik is derived from the Arabic word malik, meaning “king” or “sovereign.”
Meaning: The name Malik translates to “king” or “sovereign.”
2. Frederick
Origin: Frederick is of German origin.
Derivation: The name Frederick is derived from the Germanic elements frid (peace) and ric (ruler), meaning “peaceful ruler.”
Meaning: The name Frederick translates to “peaceful ruler.”
1. Reginald
Origin: Reginald is of Latin and Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Reginald is derived from the Latin Reginaldus, which comes from the Germanic name Raginwald, meaning “counsel power.”
Meaning: The name Reginald translates to “counsel power” or “ruler with counsel.”
Regal Names With Monarch-Like Meanings: Baby Girl Edition
Don’t worry – we weren’t going to forget about the baby girl additions to the household. After all, they hold just as much power in your family as anyone else – and they deserve a name that reflects that influence!
Luckily, that’s exactly what regal names do for your daughter.
By giving your baby girl a regal name, parents can express the hopes and aspirations they have for their daughter’s future – inspiring a sense of purpose, ambition, and a drive to achieve greatness in their life.
If you want to see your little princess grow up to be a beautiful queen, then you’ll love these regal names!
10. Raina
Origin: Raina is of Slavic and Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Raina is derived from the Slavic word regina, meaning “queen,” or from the Latin word regina, also meaning “queen.”
Meaning: The name Raina translates to “queen.”
9. Regina
Origin: Regina is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Regina is derived from the Latin word regina, meaning “queen.”
Meaning: The name Regina translates to “queen.”
8. Tiara
Origin: Tiara is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Tiara is derived from the Greek word tiara, which refers to a jeweled crown or headpiece, often associated with royalty.
Meaning: The name Tiara translates to “crown” or “jeweled headdress.”
7. Tatiana
Origin: Tatiana is of Latin and Russian origin.
Derivation: The name Tatiana is derived from the Roman family name Tatius, and it became popular in Russia, associated with nobility and strength.
Meaning: The name Tatiana translates to “fairy queen” or “princess.”
6. Sarai
Origin: Sarai is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Sarai is derived from the Hebrew word sarah, meaning “princess.” Sarai was the original name of Sarah, the wife of Abraham in the Bible.
Meaning: The name Sarai translates to “princess.”
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5. Maëlys
Origin: Maëlys is of Breton and French origin.
Derivation: The name Maëlys is derived from the Breton name Mael (meaning “chief” or “prince”) combined with the suffix -ys, a common feminine ending in Breton.
Meaning: The name Maëlys translates to “chief” or “princess.”
4. Orla
Origin: Orla is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Orla is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Órfhlaith, meaning “golden princess” or “golden ruler.”
Meaning: The name Orla translates to “golden princess.”
3. Malika
Origin: Malika is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Malika is derived from the Arabic word malika, meaning “queen” or “sovereign.”
Meaning: The name Malika translates to “queen.”
2. Zaria
Origin: Zaria is of Arabic and Slavic origin.
Derivation: The name Zaria is derived from the Arabic name Zahrah, meaning “flower,” and in Slavic mythology, Zaria is the goddess of beauty.
Meaning: The name Zaria translates to “princess” or “flower.”
1. Amira
Origin: Amira is of Arabic and Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Amira is derived from the Arabic word amirah, meaning “princess” or “leader,” and in Hebrew, it means “treetop” or “saying.”
Meaning: The name Amira translates to “princess” or “leader.”
Regal Names Inspired By Famous Kings Throughout History
A king is traditionally a male sovereign who reigns over a nation or territory, often inheriting his position through a royal lineage. Perhaps the most popular and common example today is King Charles III.
The role of a king has historically been one of immense power and influence, serving as the supreme ruler and symbol of unity within a kingdom – such as King Charles III’s rule over the United Kingdom.
A king is typically regarded as the highest authority in matters of governance, law, and justice, often seen as the embodiment of the state itself – with some cultures believing the king has a divine right to rule.
If you’re looking to add some regal names to your baby name list, then here are some perfect examples!
10. Solomon
Origin: Solomon is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Solomon is derived from the Hebrew name Shlomo, meaning “peace.”
Who Was King Solomon? King Solomon, the son of King David, ruled Israel during the 10th century BCE. He is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon is also credited with authoring several biblical books, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
9. David
Origin: David is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name David is derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, meaning “beloved” or “uncle.”
Who Was King David? King David was the second king of Israel, reigning in the 10th century BCE. He is famous for uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the nation’s capital. David is also known for his poetic contributions to the Book of Psalms and his victory over Goliath.
8. Henry
Origin: Henry is of German origin.
Derivation: The name Henry is derived from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning “home ruler,” from the elements heim (home) and ric (ruler).
Who Was King Henry VIII? King Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547 and is most famous for his six marriages and the establishment of the Church of England, breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. His reign was marked by significant religious and political changes, including the English Reformation.
7. Arthur
Origin: Arthur is of Celtic origin.
Derivation: The name Arthur is possibly derived from the Celtic word artos, meaning “bear,” or it may have Roman origins from the name Artorius.
Who Was King Arthur? King Arthur is a legendary British leader, believed to have led the defense against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. Though his existence is debated, he is a central figure in British folklore, often associated with the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail.
6. Louis
Origin: Louis is of French and German origin.
Derivation: The name Louis is derived from the Old High German name Chlodowig, meaning “famous warrior.” It was later adapted into French as Louis.
Who Was King Louis XIV? King Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, ruled France from 1643 to 1715. His reign is noted for the consolidation of absolute monarchy, the expansion of French influence in Europe, and the construction of the opulent Palace of Versailles, symbolizing his power and the glory of France.
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5. Ramses
Origin: Ramses is of Egyptian origin.
Derivation: The name Ramses is derived from the Egyptian name Ramesses, meaning “born of Ra,” with Ra being the Egyptian sun god.
Who Was King Ramses II? Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th Dynasty, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is celebrated for his military victories, especially against the Hittites, and his monumental building projects, including the temples at Abu Simbel.
4. Richard
Origin: Richard is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Richard is derived from the Germanic elements ric (ruler, power) and hard (strong, brave), meaning “strong ruler” or “brave power.”
Who Was King Richard the Lionheart? King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart, ruled from 1189 to 1199. He earned his nickname due to his exceptional military leadership during the Third Crusade, where he fought against Saladin, although his time in England was minimal as he spent most of his reign abroad.
3. Charlemagne
Origin: Charlemagne is of French and German origin.
Derivation: The name Charlemagne is derived from the Latin Carolus Magnus, meaning “Charles the Great.” Charlemagne was a medieval emperor who ruled much of Western Europe.
Who Was King Charlemagne? Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was the King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire from 800 until his death in 814. He is often credited with uniting much of Western Europe and laying the foundations for modern European states. He was also a key figure in the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, culture, and learning.
2. Alfred
Origin: Alfred is of English and German origin.
Derivation: The name Alfred is derived from the Old English name Ælfræd, meaning “elf counsel,” from the elements ælf (elf) and ræd (counsel).
Who Was King Alfred the Great? Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899. He is known for successfully defending his kingdom against Viking invasions and laying the groundwork for the eventual unification of England. Alfred also promoted education and legal reform, earning him the title “the Great.”
1. Gustavus
Origin: Gustavus is of Swedish and German origin.
Derivation: The name Gustavus is derived from the Old Norse elements gautr (Geat, a North Germanic tribe) and stafr (staff or support), meaning “staff of the Geats.”
Who Was King Gustavus Adolphus? Gustavus Adolphus was the King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632 and is often credited with transforming Sweden into a major European power. His military innovations and leadership during the Thirty Years’ War earned him the title “The Lion of the North,” and he is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in history.
Regal Names Inspired By Famous Queens Throughout History
A queen is traditionally a female sovereign who may rule over a nation or territory, though the exact role of the queen can vary significantly depending on whether she is a queen consort or a queen regnant.
The queen consort is the wife of a reigning King, while the queen regnant rules in her own right.
A good example of this is Queen Elizabeth II, who was queen regnant for 70 years from 1952 to 2022, and Queen Camilla, who became queen consort when her husband, King Charles III, took the throne.
If you like the idea of having a queen in the house, then you’ll love these regal names for your baby girl!
10. Cleopatra
Origin: Cleopatra is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Cleopatra is derived from the Greek name Kleopatra, meaning “glory of the father,” from the elements kleos (glory) and patēr (father).
Who Was Cleopatra VII? Cleopatra VII was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, reigning from 51 to 30 BCE. She is best known for her political acumen, romantic liaisons with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her efforts to defend Egypt’s independence against the expanding Roman Empire.
9. Elizabeth
Origin: Elizabeth is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Elizabeth is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “God is my oath” or “consecrated to God.”
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II? Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch, serving as Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. Her reign witnessed significant social, political, and technological changes, and she was admired for her steadfast dedication to public service and the monarchy.
8. Victoria
Origin: Victoria is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Victoria is derived from the Latin word victoria, meaning “victory.”
Meaning: The name Victoria translates to “victory.”
Who Was Queen Victoria? Queen Victoria reigned as the Queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, the second-longest reign of any British monarch. Her era, known as the Victorian Era, was marked by industrial, cultural, and scientific progress, as well as the expansion of the British Empire. Victoria’s influence extended far beyond Britain, shaping much of the 19th century’s global history.
7. Marie
Origin: Marie is of Hebrew and French origin.
Derivation: The name Marie is a French form of the name Mary, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, meaning “bitter” or “beloved.”
Who Was Queen Marie Antoinette? Marie Antoinette was the Queen of France from 1774 until 1792, married to King Louis XVI. She is famously, though inaccurately, attributed with the phrase “Let them eat cake” and became a symbol of the excesses of the French monarchy. Her life ended tragically during the French Revolution, when she was executed by guillotine in 1793.
6. Isabella
Origin: Isabella is of Hebrew and Italian origin.
Derivation: The name Isabella is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “God is my oath.” It is the Italian and Spanish form of Elizabeth.
Who Was Queen Isabella I of Castile? Queen Isabella I of Castille ruled from 1474 to 1504 and was instrumental in unifying Spain through her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon. She is also known for sponsoring Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the New World and for her role in the Spanish Inquisition. Isabella’s reign significantly influenced the course of European and world history.
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5. Catherine
Origin: Catherine is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Catherine is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which is of uncertain meaning but often associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning “pure.”
Who Was Catherine the Great? Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, is one of the most famous and longest-reigning female rulers in history. She is credited with expanding and modernizing the Russian Empire, promoting Westernization, and encouraging the arts, education, and Enlightenment ideas. Her reign is often considered the Golden Age of Russia.
4. Anne
Origin: Anne is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Anne is derived from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Who Was Queen Anne? Queen Anne ruled as the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 to 1714, and as the first monarch of Great Britain after the union of England and Scotland in 1707. Her reign saw the War of the Spanish Succession and significant developments in the British parliamentary system. Despite her many pregnancies, Anne died without a surviving heir, leading to the end of the Stuart dynasty.
3. Eleanor
Origin: Eleanor is of Old French and Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Eleanor is derived from the Old French name Aliénor, possibly a variation of the Greek name Helenē, meaning “light” or “torch.”
Who Was Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine? Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages. She was the Queen consort of both France (as wife of Louis VII) and England (as wife of Henry II), and the mother of Richard the Lionheart and King John. Eleanor was a key figure in the politics of her time, known for her intelligence, strong will, and patronage of the arts.
2. Wilhelmina
Origin: Wilhelmina is of German origin.
Derivation: The name Wilhelmina is derived from the Germanic elements wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), meaning “resolute protector.”
Who Was Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands? Queen Wilhelmina reigned as the Queen of the Netherlands from 1890 to 1948, the longest reign of any Dutch monarch. She is remembered for her leadership during both World Wars, particularly her efforts to inspire Dutch resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. Her steadfastness earned her great respect and admiration both in the Netherlands and abroad.
1. Amina
Origin: Amina is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Amina is derived from the Arabic word amin, meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.”
Who Was Queen Amina of Zaria? Queen Amina of Zaria, also known as Aminatu, was a 16th-century Hausa warrior queen of the city-state of Zazzau, in what is now Nigeria. She is celebrated for her military prowess, expanding her kingdom’s territory, and establishing trade routes throughout West Africa. Amina’s legacy is that of a powerful and strategic leader who significantly influenced the region’s history.
Regal Names Inspired By Popular Movie Directors
When some people hear the word ‘regal,’ they immediately think of a monarch (such as a king or queen) – which makes sense because it’s derived from the Latin word “regalis,” which means “royal” or “kingly.”.
But then there are those (like myself) who can’t help but think of movies and popcorn.
We, of course, have Regal Cinemas – an American movie theater chain – to thank for this. By choosing this name, the founders intended to position the theater chain as a premier destination for moviegoers.
And it worked – as it’s one of the most popular places to be for a date night or night out with friends.
If you’re one of those people who love spending time in a movie theatre, then why not consider these regal names for your future son or daughter – inspired by famous movie directors and producers.
10. Steven
Origin: Steven is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Steven is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
Who Is Steven Spielberg? Steven Spielberg is one of the most successful and influential directors in film history, known for his work on blockbusters like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. His films often blend spectacular visual storytelling with deep emotional resonance, making him a defining figure in both the adventure and drama genres.
9. Martin
Origin: Martin is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Martin is derived from the Roman name Martinus, which is based on the name of the Roman god Mars, meaning “of Mars” or “warrior.”
Who Is Martin Scorsese? Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker renowned for his gritty, character-driven dramas. He has directed iconic films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Scorsese’s work often explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition, and he is celebrated for his contributions to American cinema.
8. Christopher
Origin: Christopher is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Christopher is derived from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning “bearer of Christ,” from the elements Christos (Christ) and phero (to bear).
Who Is Christopher Nolan? Christopher Nolan is a British-American director known for his cerebral and visually innovative films, including Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Interstellar, and Dunkirk. Nolan’s work is characterized by its complex narratives, philosophical themes, and pioneering use of practical effects and IMAX technology.
7. Quentin
Origin: Quentin is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Quentin is derived from the Latin name Quintinus, which is a diminutive of Quintus, meaning “fifth.” It was often given to the fifth child in a family.
Who Is Quentin Tarantino? Quentin Tarantino is an American filmmaker famous for his unique style that blends sharp dialogue, non-linear storytelling, and a deep love for genre cinema. His films, such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, are known for their wit, violence, and homage to various cinematic influences.
6. James
Origin: James is of Hebrew and English origin.
Derivation: The name James is derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning “supplanter.” It is the English form of the Latin name Iacomus.
Who Is James Cameron? James Cameron is a Canadian filmmaker known for directing some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Titanic and Avatar. His work is marked by groundbreaking special effects, ambitious storytelling, and a focus on technological innovation in cinema. Cameron is also known for his passion for environmental causes and deep-sea exploration.
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5. Kathryn
Origin: Kathryn is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Kathryn is a variant of Catherine, which is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning “pure.”
Who Is Kathryn Bigelow? Kathryn Bigelow is an American director known for her intense, action-packed films. She made history as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker. Bigelow’s other notable works include Zero Dark Thirty and Point Break. Her films often explore themes of war, violence, and masculinity.
4. Sofia
Origin: Sofia is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Sofia is derived from the Greek word sophia, meaning “wisdom.”
Who Is Sofia Coppola? Sofia Coppola is an American filmmaker and screenwriter known for her atmospheric and introspective films that often explore themes of isolation, identity, and the complexities of modern life. Her acclaimed works include Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, and Marie Antoinette. Coppola is celebrated for her distinct visual style and nuanced storytelling.
3. Ava
Origin: Ava is of Latin and German origin.
Derivation: The name Ava is possibly derived from the Latin name Avis, meaning “bird,” or it may have Germanic roots from the name Awa.
Who Is Ava DuVernay? Ava DuVernay is an American director and filmmaker known for her powerful works that address issues of race, social justice, and history. She gained widespread recognition for her films Selma and 13th, and her Netflix series When They See Us. DuVernay is a trailblazer in the industry, advocating for greater diversity and representation in Hollywood.
2. Greta
Origin: Greta is of German and Scandinavian origin.
Derivation: The name Greta is a short form of the name Margaret, which is derived from the Greek word margaritēs, meaning “pearl.”
Who Is Greta Gerwig? Greta Gerwig is an American actress, writer, and director known for her fresh, character-driven films that explore themes of identity, womanhood, and personal growth. Her directorial works, including Lady Bird and Little Women, have garnered critical acclaim for their sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and vibrant portrayal of female characters.
1. Jane
Origin: Jane is of Hebrew and English origin.
Derivation: The name Jane is a feminine form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.”
Who Is Jane Campion? Jane Campion is a New Zealand filmmaker known for her poetic and visually striking films that often explore complex emotional landscapes and the lives of women. She is the first woman to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes for The Piano, and her other notable works include The Power of the Dog and Bright Star. Campion’s films are celebrated for their unique narrative voice and atmospheric intensity.
Are You Considering Any of These Regal Names for Your Child?
Most regal names today have been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years – giving them a sense of permanence and tradition that’s often recognized across different generations, cultures, and heritages.
By selecting a regal name for a child, parents are not only choosing something that sounds distinguished but are also making a statement about the values, goals, and aspirations they hold for their child’s future.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic resonance of names like William or Elizabeth, or something unique and majestic like Cyrus and Isolde, regal names can help give your child a sense of leadership and honor.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check Out Our Baby Name Generator for More Regal Names & Other Baby Name Ideas!
And if regal names aren’t what you’re looking for, then don’t worry – we have thousands of other baby name ideas for you to choose from at our Mamas Uncut blog, and feel free to check back often for more!