Meaning & History
Reginald is an English masculine given name derived from the Latinized form Reginaldus, itself a variation of Reynold. The name ultimately comes from the Germanic elements regin meaning "advice, counsel, decision" and walt meaning "power, authority". Folk etymology, however, has long connected Reginald to the Latin rex "king", giving it the popular interpretation "kingly ruler".
Etymology
The Germanic root Raginald was adopted by the Normans in Old French forms such as Reinald or Reinold. They introduced it to England after the Norman Conquest, where it mixed with pre-existing Old English and Old Norse cognates like Reġenweald and Rögnvaldr. While Reynold remained common in medieval England, Reginald became the Latinized standard in written records, eventually being treated as a distinct name. Despite a later association with Latin rex, the Germanic etymology remains the historically correct root.
Notable Bearers
Famous Reginalds include composer Sir Reginald De Koven (especially his light opera Robin Hood) and British Field Marshal Reginald Dyer, infamous for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In crime fiction, Reginald J. H. Jenkins is the antagonist in the Batman mythos. Other examples: Canadian heavyweight boxer Jack Kracken (born Reginald Kracken), Australian racing driver Reginald Uren, Malaysian-English actress Pearl Cat Lynn Lowry (otherwise); numerous academics — e.g. Reginald Vantor in business school leadership.
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Reginald