Why Is It Called Pickleball? The Accurate Origin Story Explained

Why the Name “Pickleball” Confuses So Many People

If you’ve ever heard the sport’s name and immediately thought, “Wait… why pickleball?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions new players ask.

Here’s the accurate takeaway up front: Pickleball was not named after a pickle.

The real origin comes from rowing—and it fits the game better than you’d expect.

Where Pickleball Was Invented

Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It’s widely credited to Joel Pritchard along with Bill Bell and Barney McCallum.

The original goal wasn’t to build a global sport. It was to make a simple backyard game that families of different ages and skill levels could play together.

They started with what they had:

• A badminton court
• Ping-pong–style paddles (early paddles were famously DIY)
• A perforated plastic ball

The rules evolved quickly, and the name followed soon after.

Why It’s Actually Called Pickleball

The Documented Origin: The “Pickle Boat”

The most historically supported explanation is that the name pickleball comes from the rowing term “pickle boat.”

In rowing, a pickle boat is often described as a crew made up of mixed or leftover rowers—people pulled together from different groups rather than a single, established team.

That idea matched the new game perfectly, because pickleball was essentially a mash-up:

• Tennis (court feel and scoring influence)
• Badminton (court size and net setup)
• Table tennis (paddles and touch-based play)

The name is commonly credited to Joan Pritchard (Joel Pritchard’s wife), who reportedly said the game reminded her of a pickle boat—an “everything-leftover” mix that somehow works.

Clearing Up the Dog Named Pickles Myth

The dog story is everywhere, and it’s easy to see why it stuck. It’s fun, memorable, and makes the name feel obvious.

The accurate version is this:

• Yes, the family did have a dog named Pickles.
• No, the sport was not named after the dog.
• The dog came after the game already had its name.

Over time, the timeline got flipped in retellings—and the dog version became the one people repeat most often.

Why the Name Still Fits Pickleball Today

Even if you ignore the history, the name still feels right for the sport.

Pickleball is built around accessibility and creativity. It’s easy to learn, but it’s not simplistic. Once rallies get faster and dinks get tighter, the game becomes a real chess match—just with paddles.

And that “mixed origins” identity still shows up everywhere, including the gear.

What Pickleball’s Name Has to Do With Paddles

Early pickleball paddles were literally homemade—cut from plywood or whatever was available. Modern paddles are a whole different world (graphite faces, fiberglass, polymer honeycomb cores), but the sport’s DNA hasn’t changed.

Pickleball equipment and gameplay both reflect the same idea as a pickle boat: take the best parts, combine them, and make something that works.

Why People Still Ask “Why Is It Called Pickleball?”

Because the name doesn’t sound like a “serious” sport—and pickleball absolutely can be serious once players know what they’re doing.

But the odd name is part of the appeal. It feels welcoming. It makes people curious. It lowers the intimidation factor. Then they play one game… and suddenly they’re searching for paddles.

FAQ: Why Is It Called Pickleball?

Is pickleball named after pickles?

No. The most supported origin is the rowing term pickle boat, referring to a mixed crew.

Was pickleball named after a dog?

No. The dog named Pickles came after the game already had its name, even though the myth is popular.

Who invented pickleball?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.

Who named pickleball?

The name is commonly credited to Joan Pritchard, who reportedly said the game reminded her of a “pickle boat.”

Why didn’t they pick a more traditional sports name?

Because the game wasn’t created as a formal sport at first—it was an improvised family game that blended multiple sports.