Regis

Regis is a proper noun derived from the Latin regis, the genitive form of rex, meaning “of the king.” As such, it appears in a variety of Western naming contexts and is used in names of people, institutions, and places. The term also carries ecclesiastical and heraldic associations related to royalty or high status.

As a given name or surname, Regis is used as a masculine name in French, Latin, and other cultural contexts, and it appears as a surname in English-speaking countries. Notable individuals include Regis Philbin (1931–2020), an American television host and media personality, and Regis Toomey (1898–1961), an American actor.

Institutions and organizations bearing the Regis name include Regis University, a private Jesuit university in Denver, Colorado, founded in the late 19th century; Regis High School, a well-known Jesuit school for boys in Manhattan, New York; and Regis College, a federated college within the University of Toronto in Canada.

In commercial and hospitality contexts, The St. Regis is a luxury hotel brand owned by Marriott International, named to evoke royal or aristocratic associations. Regis Corporation was a major U.S. hair-salon company that operated for several decades. The term Regis also appears in various place names and institutional titles where it denotes royal or prestigious connotations.