Why Is a Football Called a Football?

By Sarah Miller · November 30, 2052

A football is called a football because the game originated as a form of rugby where the ball was primarily advanced by foot, despite its shape being more suited to throwing. The term “football” historically referred to any sport played on foot (as opposed to on horseback), and over time, it evolved to include various codes like soccer, rugby, and American football. Although modern American football involves mostly hand usage, the name persisted from its early roots in 19th-century England.

Why Is a Football Called a Football? The Historical Origins

The naming of the football can be traced back to 19th-century England, where “football” described any game played with the feet. Early forms of football were chaotic, mass-participation games played in towns and villages, often involving both hands and feet. These games had no standardized rules but shared the common trait of being played while standing and moving on foot.

The Evolution of Football Games

Medieval mob football involved large groups using any means to move a ball to a goal.
In the 1800s, English public schools began codifying their own versions of football.
Differences in handling the ball led to the split between association football (soccer) and rugby football.
Rugby football allowed carrying and throwing the ball, which later influenced American football.
The oblong shape of the modern football developed from the inflated pig bladders used in early rugby balls.

How American Football Inherited the Name

When American universities adopted rugby-style games in the mid-1800s, they retained the term “football” despite increasing emphasis on passing and running. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton adapted rules from both soccer and rugby, eventually forming a hybrid game.

Key Moments in the Naming Tradition

1869: First intercollegiate game between Rutgers and Princeton resembled soccer.
1874: Harvard played McGill University under rugby rules, shifting gameplay toward handling.
1880: Walter Camp introduced downs and line-of-scrimmage rules, solidifying a distinct American code.
Despite rule changes, the name “American football” stuck to differentiate it from soccer.

Football vs. Soccer: A Naming Divide

In most of the world, “football” refers to what Americans call soccer. However, in the U.S., “football” denotes the gridiron sport, while “soccer” describes association football. This linguistic divergence stems from the need to distinguish between the two sports as both gained popularity.

Sport	Primary Ball Movement	Country of Origin	Year Codified	Global Players (Est.)
American Football	Hands (80% passing/carrying)	United States	1880	22 million
Association Football (Soccer)	Feet (90% kicking)	England	1863	270 million
Rugby Union	Hands and Feet	England	1871	8 million
Rugby League	Hands and Feet	England	1895	4 million

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while soccer dominates globally in participation, American football has carved out a unique identity where the name “football” persists despite minimal use of the foot. The historical lineage from rugby explains why an oval-shaped ball used primarily by hands retains a name rooted in foot-based play.

Why the Name Never Changed

Even as American football became less reliant on actual kicking, the cultural and institutional momentum behind the name prevented change. Universities, media, and fans all reinforced “football” as the official designation.

The NFL, founded in 1920, cemented the term in popular culture.
High school and college teams have long traditions tied to the name.
Marketing, merchandise, and broadcasting rely on established branding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why a Football Is Called a Football

Why is it called football if you mostly use your hands?

The name originates from the sport's roots in rugby and older English football games played on foot. Although modern play emphasizes throwing and running, the historical context and distinction from soccer preserved the name.

Did footballs used to be made of pigskin?

Yes, early footballs were made from inflated pig bladders, giving rise to the term “pigskin.” Modern balls are made of cowhide leather and synthetic materials for durability and consistency.

Is American football really a type of football?

Yes, in the broad sense. “Football” historically refers to any team sport played on foot. American football evolved from rugby football, making it a legitimate member of the football family despite differences in gameplay.

Why don't Americans call soccer football?

By the early 20th century, American football had become deeply entrenched in U.S. culture. To avoid confusion, “soccer” (from “association football”) was adopted for the global sport, preserving “football” for the domestic gridiron game.

What countries call American football “football”?

Primarily the United States and Canada (where it's also known as Canadian football). In most other countries, “football” refers to soccer, and American football is specified as “American football” to differentiate it.