Is Ginger a boy's or girl's name?

Ginger is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 41 recorded births.

When was Ginger most popular?

Ginger reached its peak popularity in 1971 with 1,670 births that year. It is currently ranked #3589 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Ginger?

Ginger is currently ranked #3589 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 46,170 babies since 1913.

Ginger

An uncommon Old English pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysOld EnglishDeclining Also a pet name

#3589▼ 299in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A female given name from English and nickname. Popularized by actress Ginger Rogers

Ginger is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old English origin, from the spice ginger, from the Old English gingifer, ultimately from Sanskrit śṛṅgavera meaning 'horn-shaped root' — the fiery, aromatic rhizome used in cooking and medicine worldwide.

With over 46,000 recorded U.S. births, Ginger has been a beloved American name for generations. Ginger Rogers — born Virginia McMath — made it synonymous with grace, rhythm, and golden-age Hollywood glamour. It's a name of warmth, spice, and undeniable personality.

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Popularity Over Time

Ginger was #1530 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3589, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ginger
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	234	#3375	▼
2010s	862	#2346	▼
2000s	1,393	#1506	▲
1990s	1,226	#1386	▼
1980s	4,367	#569	▼
1970s	11,781	#229	▲
1960s	11,698	#254	▲
1950s	9,013	#283	▲
1940s	4,194	#383	▲
1930s	1,000	#829	▲
1920s	291	#1562	▲
1910s	111	#2231	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(112 years, 1913–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ginger
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	43	#3589	-6 (-12.2%)
2023	49	#3290	0
2022	49	#3287	+3 (6.5%)
2021	46	#3409	-1 (-2.1%)
2020	47	#3298	-10 (-17.5%)
2019	57	#2898	-4 (-6.6%)
2018	61	#2793	-1 (-1.6%)
2017	62	#2756	+6 (10.7%)
2016	56	#2984	-12 (-17.6%)
2015	68	#2630	-12 (-15.0%)
2014	80	#2311	-13 (-14.0%)
2013	93	#2070	-19 (-17.0%)
2012	112	#1813	-13 (-10.4%)
2011	125	#1685	-23 (-15.5%)
2010	148	#1516	-20 (-11.9%)
2009	168	#1406	+34 (25.4%)
2008	134	#1667	-40 (-23.0%)
2007	174	#1385	+36 (26.1%)
2006	138	#1568	-16 (-10.4%)
2005	154	#1396	+23 (17.6%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Ginger as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Ginger has also been given to 41 boys in the U.S. since 1964.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1964

Peak year

Compare Ginger as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Ginger be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Ginger is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #3589. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Ginger has two lives

Ginger, the baby name

#3589girls

46,170 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1913–2024) · Methodology