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Last Name Regai

What is the origin of the last name Regai?

The last name "Regai" is of African origin and is believed to have originated from the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe. The name may have been derived from a personal characteristic or trait of an ancestor, or it could also be a place name or occupational surname. Unfortunately, specific information about the exact origin and meaning of the name "Regai" is limited.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Regai

The meaning and origin of the last name Regai

The surname Regai is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name "Regais", found in various forms in medieval records. It is believed to be a patronymic form of the given name Regais or Ragais, which itself is of Germanic or Lombardic origin. The name Regai is likely to be a variant of the name Regais, with the added letter "i". The meaning of the surname Regai is not entirely clear, but it is possible that it could be derived from the Germanic word "riga" or the Lombardic word "ragai", both of which mean "line" or "stripe". Overall, the surname Regai is a unique and uncommon name that has likely evolved from an ancient personal name with Germanic or Lombardic roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Regai

The last name Regai appears to be relatively rare, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname found in Italy. Specifically, the surname is most commonly found in the region of Sicily, where many individuals with the surname Regai can be found. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Regai in the surrounding regions of Calabria and Campania in southern Italy. Outside of Italy, there are very few individuals with the surname Regai, with scattered occurrences in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Regai suggests that it is a relatively localized surname with strong ties to the southern region of Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Regai

Regai, also spelled as Ragai or Regei, is a surname of African origin. Other variations of this surname may include Ragay, Regey, or Ragy. Despite the different spellings, these variations all stem from the same root name and typically have similar pronunciation. The surname Regai may have variations based on the transliteration from its original language, leading to different spellings in various contexts. Regardless of the spelling, individuals with the surname Regai may have ancestors originating from the same region or community. The surname Regai has rich historical and cultural significance, often tracing back to specific tribes or ethnic groups. With its various spellings and pronunciations, the surname Regai highlights the diversity and complexity of language and identity within the African diaspora.

Famous people with the last name Regai

One famous person with the last name Regai is Muda Regai, a renowned Indonesian singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and emotional lyrics. His music has reached audiences around the world and he has amassed a large fan base due to his unique sound and style. Another famous individual with the last name Regai is Farzaneh Regai, a successful Iranian filmmaker who has gained recognition for her bold and thought-provoking work. She is known for pushing boundaries in the industry and addressing important social issues through her films. Both Muda and Farzaneh Regai have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on their audiences.

Genealogical research on the last name Regai

The surname Regai is of Italian origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. The name is likely derived from the Latin word "regalis," meaning royal or regal. It is possible that the name Regai was originally a nickname or a descriptive term given to someone who displayed noble or regal qualities. Genealogical research on the surname Regai shows that it has been present in Italy for centuries, with records indicating individuals with this surname dating back to at least the 16th century. Over the years, branches of the Regai family have likely spread to other parts of Italy and possibly to other countries as well. Today, individuals with the surname Regai can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with historical ties to Italy.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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