Home › Baby Names Directory › Jinger
Jinger
Pronounced JIN-jur /ˈdʒɪn.dʒər/High
Meaning: Jinger is a respelling of Ginger — the spice, whose name travels from Sanskrit through Greek and Latin into English, and a long-standing nickname for red hair. It is also a pet form of Virginia. The J spelling is a modern American touch, which we note.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jinger respells Ginger. The word came into English from Latin zingiber, itself borrowed from Greek and ultimately from Sanskrit. As a name, Ginger began as a nickname — for red hair, and as a pet form of Virginia — and gained star power through Ginger Rogers. The J spelling is a modern variation (said 'JIN-jur').
It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, spirited, and warm.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Jinger…
Explore names like Jinger
Frequently Asked
What does the name Jinger mean?
Jinger respells Ginger — the spice, and a long-standing nickname for red hair (also a pet form of Virginia).
How do you pronounce Jinger?
It's said JIN-jur /ˈdʒɪn.dʒər/ — two syllables, stress on the first. It sounds just like Ginger.
Is Jinger a boy or girl name?
Jinger is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Jinger?
Jinger is a rare name for girls in the U.S.