UK girl's name
Ginger
A feminine name meaning "fair-skinned, red-headed person".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2021. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Ginger is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Ginger popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2021 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3961, with 5 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2021, with 5 births.
This profile covers 5 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2021 to 2021. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Ginger is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 5 living people in the UK are called Ginger. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2022 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Ginger ranked #3961 for girls in England and Wales in 2021, with 5 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2021, when 5 girls were registered as Ginger.
- • About 5 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ginger as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3961
2021
Births in 2021
5
Latest year
Peak year
2021
5 births
Estimated living
5
2026
Meaning
What does Ginger mean?
The name Ginger originates from the Middle English word "ginger," which was derived from the Old French "gingembre" and ultimately traced back to the Sanskrit "srngavera." This name was initially used as a descriptive term for the distinctive reddish-brown spice obtained from the ginger plant.
In the 13th century, the term "ginger" began to be employed as a nickname or diminutive form of the name Virginia. This usage was likely inspired by the similarity in sound between the words "ginger" and "Virginia," as well as the association with the reddish-brown color of the spice.
The earliest recorded instance of Ginger as a given name can be found in the 16th century. One notable example is Ginger Rogers, the renowned American actress, dancer, and singer born in 1911. She was known for her successful partnership with Fred Astaire and for her remarkable contributions to musical films.
Another influential figure bearing the name Ginger was Ginger Baker, the legendary English drummer and co-founder of the influential rock band Cream. Born in 1939, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers in rock music history.
In the literary world, Ginger Pye is the titular character of a children's novel by Eleanor Estes, published in 1951. The book follows the adventures of a spirited and mischievous dog named Ginger Pye, captivating young readers with its endearing storyline.
Ginger Garrett, born in 1963, is an American author and speaker known for her novels and non-fiction works exploring faith, history, and contemporary issues. Her works have garnered critical acclaim and influenced readers worldwide.
Ginger Granger, born in 1963, is a British actress and author who has graced both the stage and screen. She is particularly renowned for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, which catapulted her to international fame.
Throughout history, the name Ginger has been associated with vibrant and spirited personalities, drawing inspiration from the zesty spice that shares its name. While its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, it continues to be a popular and enduring choice for parents seeking a unique and distinctive name for their children.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Ginger by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ginger was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #3961 | 5 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Ginger
- Grace 79,208
- Georgia 48,838
- Gracie 18,387
- Georgina 15,599
- Gabriella 10,902
- Gemma 8,350
- Gabrielle 7,154
- Georgie 4,883
- Gabriela 3,300
- Genevieve 2,393
- Gracie-Mae 1,727
- Greta 1,283
FAQ
Ginger: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ginger in the UK right now?
In 2021, Ginger was ranked #3961 for girls in England and Wales, with 5 births registered.
When was Ginger most popular?
The peak year on record was 2021, with 5 babies registered as Ginger in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ginger?
A feminine name meaning "fair-skinned, red-headed person".
How many people are called Ginger in the UK?
A total of 5 babies have been registered as Ginger across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.