Why are guinea pigs named guinea pigs?

Introduction: Why are guinea pigs named guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs are small, cute, and furry rodents that make great pets. But have you ever wondered why they are called guinea pigs? Despite their name, guinea pigs are not related to pigs and are not native to Guinea. The origin of their name is actually quite interesting and has a long history behind it.

Early history: How did guinea pigs get their name?

The exact origin of the name "guinea pig" is not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the name may have come from the Guinea region in West Africa. European traders would often import exotic animals from the region, and it is possible that guinea pigs were among them. Another theory is that the name comes from the price that was paid for the animals, as in the 16th century, a guinea coin was worth about one pound sterling, which was the price of a guinea pig.