Why is a piggy bank called a piggy bank?

A piggy bank is called a piggy bank due to its history. During the Middle Ages, people often kept money in pots made out of an orange clay called pygg. Due to the name of the clay, these pots were known as pygg pots. During the 19th century, clever potters began to design money banks in pig shapes as a play on the word “pygg.” After pig-shaped coin banks became popular, the term piggy bank expanded to include any coin bank with a whimsical shape or decorative details. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of coin banks.