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Ginny

Girl name · 7 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ginny: 7 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2024.

Often a cheerful short form of Virginia or Ginevra, Ginny has Latin roots, ultimately from the clan name Verginius, meaning "maiden" or "virgin." It became a name in its own right in English-speaking countries, carrying a friendly, approachable air. The most famous bearer in popular culture is Ginny Weasley from the Harry Potter series, whose spirited personality made the name beloved worldwide. In real life, Ginny Foat was a prominent American activist, and Scottish footballer Ginny Brown made her mark in women’s sport. The place connection is indirect: the full name Virginia names both a US state and a river, sharing the same Latin root. A notable variant is Ginnie, often used interchangeably, while in Scotland the name occasionally appears as a pet form of Genevieve.