"pure, maiden"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Ginny
Pronunciation: [ j-IHN-ee ]
Does Ginny flow with your last name?
A classic British nickname with a touch of literary magic
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American
British
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Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"fair and smooth, white phantom"
Origin: Welsh/Celtic
Language: Welsh
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter — beloved for most parents, though some prefer a name less tied to a specific franchise
The Story of Ginny
Ginny is a traditional English nickname for Virginia (from the Latin Virgo, meaning pure, maiden) or Ginevra, the Italian form of Guinevere from the Welsh 'Gwenhwyfar' meaning 'white phantom' or 'fair and smooth.' As a standalone name, Ginny has been used since the 19th century in England and America, carrying the breezy, warm quality of vintage English nicknames returning to fashion.
Ginny experienced a dramatic cultural renaissance through the Harry Potter series (1997-2007), where Ginny Weasley became one of the saga's most beloved characters — brave, athletic, funny, and eventually Harry Potter's chosen partner. This iconic association has brought the name to entirely new generations of parents who grew up with the books.
In British naming culture, Ginny exemplifies the charming tradition of using friendly nicknames as standalone given names. The connected name Guinevere has deep Arthurian legend significance as King Arthur's queen. Virginia Woolf brought additional literary prestige to the Ginny/Virginia name family.
Historical Record
Ginny first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,515 babies have been named Ginny in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ginny is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,021 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ginny Weasley (later Potter) is one of the most beloved fictional namesakes in modern history, appearing in 7 novels and 8 films
- Guinevere, sharing roots through Ginevra, is the legendary queen of King Arthur's Round Table
- Virginia Woolf, one of the 20th century's greatest writers, was occasionally called Ginny by close friends
Ginny in Other Languages
Latin
Virginia
Welsh
Gwenhwyfar
French
Guenièvre
Italian
Ginevra
Spanish
Virginia
Popularity Over Time
#3,021
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ginny
G
Ginny Simms
Musician
1913
American singer and actress popular in the Big Band era, known for her work with Kay Kyser's orchestra
G
Ginny Weasley Fictional
Other
Brave Gryffindor witch in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, star Quidditch player and wife of Harry Potter
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,021
- Total SSA Count
- 54
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Gin
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ginny
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ginny
What does the name Ginny mean?
"pure, maiden" (from Latin). "fair and smooth, white phantom" (from Welsh/Celtic). Ginny is a traditional English nickname for Virginia (from the Latin Virgo, meaning pure, maiden) or Ginevra, the Italian form of Guinevere from the Welsh 'Gwenhwyfar' meaning 'white phantom' or 'fair and smooth.' As a standalone name, Ginny has been used since the 19th century in England and America, carrying the breezy, warm quality of vintage English nicknames returning to fashion.
What is the origin of the name Ginny?
Ginny has Latin, Welsh/Celtic, English, American, and British origins. In Latin, it means "pure, maiden". In Welsh/Celtic, it means "fair and smooth, white phantom".
Is Ginny a boy or girl name?
Ginny is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ginny?
Ginny is pronounced j-IHN-ee.
How popular is the name Ginny?
Ginny is currently ranked #3021 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ginny?
Common nicknames for Ginny include Gin.
What are good middle names for Ginny?
Popular middle name pairings include Ginny Rose, Ginny Mae, Ginny Claire, Ginny Ann, Ginny Jane, Ginny Pearl, and Ginny May.
What are good sibling names for Ginny?
Names that pair well with Ginny as siblings include Harry, Ron, Fred, Lily, Hermione, Percy, and Charlie.
How many syllables does Ginny have?
Ginny has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ginny a common or rare name?
Ginny is an uncommon name, ranked #3021 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ginny
Ginny is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "pure, maiden" in Latin .
Ginny is currently ranked #3,021 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ginny has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-IHN-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ginny include Gin. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis