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Ginger

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Ginger Pronunciation

Ginger is pronounced JIN-jər /ˈdʒɪn.dʒər/High

Meaning: The pungent spice; from Latin zingiber via Greek — also a nickname for red hair and a pet form of VirginiaHigh

In 30 seconds: Spice, sparkle, and red hair in one snappy name: Ginger is the warming root, the nickname for redheads, and Virginia's peppiest short form. Fred Astaire's perfect partner wore it.

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Origin HighEnglish, Latin

MeaningThe pungent spice; from Latin zingiber via Greek — also a nickname for red hair and a pet form of Virginia

U.S. rank (2024)#3589 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births43 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1971

Total births (all-time)≈ 46,170

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ginger is the spice — Latin zingiber from Greek and ultimately Sanskrit — long a nickname for red-haired people and a pet form of Virginia. Hollywood's Ginger Rogers (born Virginia) made it dazzle, and Gilligan's Island and spice-name fashion keep it warm.

As a given name it is uncommon and zesty, riding the vintage-and-spice-name revival with Saffron and Clove. Red-rooted and effervescent.

Did you know? Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did 'backwards and in high heels' — but Ginger was her nickname; she was born Virginia, and the spice-name stuck for life.

Overall data confidence 88%

Oxford English Dictionary — ginger — word etymology

Variations

GingarVirginia

Nicknames

Gin

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ginger…

Clementine— a fellow zesty vintage word-name

Scarlett— another red-toned girls' favorite

Pepper— the spice-name sibling

Heather— a fellow English choice

Wilder— shares the -er ending

→ See all names like Ginger

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Ginger?

Ginger is pronounced JIN-jər (/ˈdʒɪn.dʒər/). Press play above to hear Ginger said aloud.

How do you say Ginger?

Ginger is said JIN-jər (/ˈdʒɪn.dʒər/). Press play above to hear Ginger said aloud.

What does the name Ginger mean?

Ginger is the spice, from Latin zingiber — also a nickname for red hair and a pet form of Virginia.

Is Ginger a boy or girl name?

Ginger is a girl's name.

How popular is Ginger?

Ginger is an uncommon spice-name in the U.S., riding the vintage revival.