Ginny

♀ Girl

Pronounced JIN-ee /ˈdʒɪn.i/High

Meaning: Diminutive of Virginia (from the Roman family name Verginius, meaning 'pure' or 'maiden') or Ginevra (Welsh Gwenhwyfar: fair and smooth, white wave)High

In 30 seconds: Ginny is an affectionate diminutive of Virginia or Ginevra, carrying the meaning of purity and maidenhood. Most famously borne by Ginny Weasley of the Harry Potter series.

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Origin HighLatin, English

MeaningDiminutive of Virginia (from the Roman family name Verginius, meaning 'pure' or 'maiden') or Ginevra (Welsh Gwenhwyfar: fair and smooth, white wave)

U.S. rank (2024)#3021 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births54 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,597

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ginny is a diminutive of two distinct names. As a short form of Virginia, it derives from the Roman family name Verginius, associated with the concept of purity or virginity. As a short form of Ginevra, it connects to the Welsh Gwenhwyfar (Jennifer, Guinevere), meaning 'fair and smooth' or 'white wave.' The name Virginia itself was honored in the naming of the American colony of Virginia.

Ginny was popular as a standalone name and nickname in the mid-20th century United States. It gained major new cultural prominence through the character Ginny Weasley (full name Ginevra) in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series (1997–2007), which introduced millions of readers to the name. Today it functions both as an independent name and as a nickname for Virginia and Ginevra.

Did you know? J.K. Rowling named Ginny Weasley's full name Ginevra — the Italian form of Guinevere — giving the beloved Harry Potter character a name with Arthurian roots stretching back to the legendary queen of Camelot.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name – Virginia — Latin root and diminutive formsRowling, J.K. Harry Potter series — Ginny Weasley character and Ginevra full name

Variations

VirginiaGinevraJennyJinny

Nicknames

Gin

Famous Bearers

★Ginny Weasley (c.1981–present)
Fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, full name Ginevra Weasley, who marries Harry Potter.
★Ginny Simms (1913–1994)
American popular singer and film actress who rose to fame as the featured vocalist with Kay Kyser's big band.

If you like Ginny…

Virginia— full form of which Ginny is the primary diminutive

Ginevra— Italian Arthurian form; Ginny Weasley's full name

Jenny— parallel two-syllable diminutive with the same breezy charm

Josie— two-syllable vintage diminutive with the same retro-sweet quality

Millie— two-syllable vintage nickname-name with the same cheerful feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ginny mean?

Ginny means 'pure' or 'maiden' as a short form of Virginia, or 'fair and smooth' (white wave) as a short form of Ginevra, the Arthurian form of Guinevere.

How do you pronounce Ginny?

Ginny is pronounced JIN-ee (/ˈdʒɪn.i/), with stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'mini.'

Is Ginny a boy or girl name?

Ginny is a girl name, used exclusively for girls as a diminutive of Virginia or Ginevra.

How popular is Ginny?

Ginny was popular mid-20th century and gained renewed interest through the Harry Potter character Ginny Weasley, though it remains outside the current top 500.