The name came from the “pickle boat” term in crew; the dog came later.
If you’ve ever asked how was pickleball named, you’re not alone. I’ve researched the story for years, talked with longtime players, and dug into museum notes and interviews. In this friendly guide, I’ll explain how was pickleball named in clear steps, show what the records say, and share a few fun tidbits you can use the next time someone asks about the sport’s quirky name.
Bainbridge Island beginnings: who made the game and why
Pickleball started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented the game to entertain family and friends. They used a perforated plastic ball, simple paddles, and a lowered net.
The game took off fast. It was easy to learn and fun to play in a driveway or on a badminton court. The story of how was pickleball named began right there at the Pritchard home, in summer conversations that mixed family, friends, and a love of games.
Two naming stories: “pickle boat” vs. “Pickles the dog”
You’ll hear two common answers when people ask how was pickleball named. Both appear everywhere, from casual chats at open play to club websites. Here’s what each one says.
The “pickle boat” story
- Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, said the name came from crew. A “pickle boat” is made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats.
- The game felt like a mix of parts from other sports, so the name fit.
- Early friends accepted the name, and it stuck.
The “Pickles the dog” story
- The Pritchards had a dog named Pickles who chased the ball.
- Many players loved this tale because it was cute and easy to remember.
- But the timeline is off. The dog came after the game was already being played, and the dog was named after the game, not the other way around.
If you want the short answer to how was pickleball named, the best evidence points to the “pickle boat” origin. The dog story helped the name spread.
What the records say: timeline and evidence that settles it
When we ask how was pickleball named, it helps to look at interviews, museum archives, and the official history pages.
What lines up across credible sources
- Joan Pritchard used “pickle boat” as the naming idea. In crew, it means a mixed crew pulled from leftovers.
- The family dog Pickles came after the game had a name. The dog was named after the sport.
- Interviews with inventor Barney McCallum support the “pickle boat” story. He explained the naming in simple terms: the sport combined pieces from other games, so the crew term fit.
- Historical notes from Bainbridge Island and current national bodies now reflect this version.
It’s normal that people still repeat the dog story. It grew fast because it’s charming. But if you care about precise history, “pickle boat” is the correct origin when answering how was pickleball named.
Why the dog story stuck (and why it still matters)
Stories spread when they make people smile. A playful dog chasing a ball is easy to picture. It’s a great icebreaker at the courts. So even though it’s not the true origin of how was pickleball named, it made for great word-of-mouth.
Here’s why it matters:
- Accuracy shows respect for the founders and for the sport’s roots.
- New players love a good origin story. Sharing the right one builds shared culture.
- Clubs and coaches can use the correct story to teach history along with rules.
Think of it like a nickname that got popular. The dog story is a catchy tagline. The “pickle boat” story is the source.
How to answer “how was pickleball named” in any setting
When someone asks how was pickleball named, you can tailor the answer to the moment.
The 5-second answer
- It comes from “pickle boat” in crew, a mix of leftovers.
The 15-second answer
- Joan Pritchard named it after the crew term “pickle boat” because the game used pieces from other sports. The family dog Pickles came later and was named after the game.
The 30-second answer
- In 1965 on Bainbridge Island, the Pritchards, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented a new game. Joan called it “pickleball” after “pickle boat,” a crew term for a mixed group. People later told the dog story, but the dog was named after the sport. That’s how was pickleball named.
Fun facts and common mistakes about the name
Want extra nuggets to share once you explain how was pickleball named? Keep these handy.
Fun facts
- “Pickle boat” is real crew slang. It means a team made from leftover rowers.
- The sport’s name reflects its mashup DNA: badminton, tennis, and ping-pong.
- Early paddles were simple wood; the mood was casual and inventive.
Common mistakes
- Saying the sport was named for the dog. The dog came later.
- Assuming “pickle” refers to pickled cucumbers. It doesn’t.
- Thinking the founders debated the name for weeks. It clicked quickly.
Tips for telling the story
- Use the short, correct version first.
- Add the dog anecdote as a fun side note.
- Invite players to share it with new friends at open play.
A personal take: learning the name the hard way
When I first started playing, I repeated the dog tale with confidence. A friendly old-timer pulled me aside after a game and said, “Great energy. But the name came from crew.” I went home and read founder interviews and local museum notes.
Since then, I’ve watched how was pickleball named can spark great conversations. At beginner clinics, I share the two stories, then set the record straight. Players smile at the dog bit, but they nod at the crew link. It feels right, because the game itself is a smart mix, just like a pickle boat.
Frequently Asked Questions of how was pickleball named
How was pickleball named: dog or boat?
The original inspiration is “pickle boat” from crew, coined by Joan Pritchard. The family dog Pickles came later and was named after the sport.
What does “pickle boat” mean, exactly?
In crew, a pickle boat is made of leftover rowers from other boats. The sport mixed ideas from several games, so the name fit.
Is the dog Pickles a myth?
No, Pickles was a real family dog. But the dog did not inspire the name; the dog was named after the game.
When did the name “pickleball” first appear in print?
Early community notes and news items from the late 1960s and 1970s mention it. These records align with the “pickle boat” origin.
Why do so many people still think it was named after a dog?
It’s a charming, easy story, and word-of-mouth made it stick. But the documented origin is the crew term.
How do I explain how was pickleball named to kids?
Say it’s named after a boat made of different leftover rowers. Then add the fun dog story as a bonus detail.
Does the name affect how the sport is marketed?
Yes, the playful name helps. Brands use the friendly vibe, while historians favor the accurate crew origin.
Conclusion
The clearest answer to how was pickleball named is simple: Joan Pritchard drew it from “pickle boat,” a crew term for a mix of leftovers, which matched a sport built from several games. The dog story adds charm, but the records and interviews point to the crew origin.
Use the short, correct version at your next open play, and pass it on. Share this guide with a new player, subscribe for more deep dives into pickleball history, and drop a comment with the best name myths you’ve heard on the court.