FROM THE BOY COLLECTION
Regis
REE-jis
Distinguished · Vintage · Debonair
Regis MEANING & ORIGIN
Latin / French
of the king; royal
Regis comes from the Latin regis, meaning “of the king,” the genitive form of rex, meaning “king.” It has a long history as a masculine name, particularly in French-speaking and Catholic communities. One notable namesake is Saint Jean-François Régis, a 17th-century French Jesuit missionary. In the United States, the name is also associated with television personality Regis Philbin. With its royal roots and vintage charm, Regis offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar traditional names.
Regis’s style
Regis sounds like someone who orders an espresso, reads the newspaper, and somehow knows everyone in the room.
There’s something wonderfully old-school about Regis, and I mean that in the best possible way. It has the confidence of a name that’s never felt the need to reinvent itself. I picture a beautifully tailored jacket, a favorite table at a little French café, and someone who can tell a good story without making themselves the center of attention. What I particularly love is how Regis manages to sound distinguished without being elaborate. It’s just two syllables, but there’s a certain authority to it, especially with that crisp opening and soft finish. It has some of the vintage appeal of Felix and the European sophistication of Lucien, yet feels more unexpected than either. And while its meaning is connected to royalty, Regis doesn’t strike me as particularly grand or showy. There’s a warmth beneath its formal exterior that makes it surprisingly approachable. For parents drawn to vintage boy names with European character, Regis is one I’d happily bring back into the conversation.
NAMES THAT GO WITH Regis
SIMILAR NAMES
Cyril
Pascal
Marcel
MIDDLE NAME IDEAS
Regis Alexander
Regis Laurent
Regis Theodore
SIBLING NAMES
Regis & Hugo
Regis & Colette
Regis & Anton
Love this style of name? Let’s find yours.
If you’re drawn to names like this but haven’t found the right one yet, I’d love to help. Tell me a little about your style, and I’ll find a name that fits your family.
CURATED BY KELLY
10 YEARS RESEARCHING BABY NAMES