Where Did the Term “Ginger” Come From?

“Ginger” is a nickname or term often used for natural redheads. Some redheads find it offensive, while others have embraced the word and may even call themselves gingers. So where did the term come from? There are a lot of theories about where the term “ginger” came from, let’s explore three of the most common ones. 

Red Ginger Plant

There are vague references to redheads being called “gingers” as far back as the 18th and 19th centuries. This causes some people to believe that the name may have come from the Red Ginger Plant. This plant is not the same as the ginger root we use to cook with today. The Red Ginger Plant has a red flower on top which may have helped create the reference to red hair. 

READ: How Do Redheads Feel About the Term “Ginger”?

Ginger Cookies / Baked Goods

Ginger root is a spice that was used to create numerous cookies and baked goods for centuries. Sweet ginger treats like gingerbread and gingersnap cookies all have a reddish-brown/auburn color that is similar to a natural redhead’s hair coloring. 

READ: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Address Redheads As ‘Gingers’

Gilligan’s Island 

Maybe the most common use of the term “ginger” for a redhead in more modern times is the character Ginger from Gilligan’s Island. She was a redhead named Ginger, and this caused lots of people to use the term as a nickname for the gingers in their life. 

READ: The Power of A Ginger: Benefits of the Red Hot Root

Do you like the name?

Rock it like a Redhead!