What Is Another Name for a Piggy Bank?

When people think of saving loose change, the classic piggy bank immediately comes to mind. But what do you call this iconic coin receptacle when it isn’t shaped like a pig—or when you want a different term altogether?

Whether you are looking for formal vocabulary, regional synonyms, or a touch of linguistic history, the humble coin container goes by many fascinating names.

1. Direct Synonyms and General Terms

If you want a word that means the exact same thing without the porcine implication, several standard English terms fit the bill:

• Money Box: The most common global alternative, especially prominent in British English. It refers to any container designed to store coins and paper bills.
• Coin Bank: A straightforward, descriptive term often used in retail and manufacturing.
• Savings Box: A slightly more formal or educational term, frequently used for children’s financial literacy toys.
• Penny Bank: A traditional historical term from an era when individual pennies formed the bulk of saved pocket change.

2. Cultural and Historical Alternatives

Language often reflects how different cultures interact with money storage throughout history:

• Tirelire (French): The French word for a money box, which charmingly mimics the clinking sound of coins dropping inside.
• Hucha (Spanish): A traditional term used across Spain and parts of Latin America for a small savings box, historically made of clay.
• Pygg Bank (Linguistic Ancestor): Long before ceramic pigs became popular, “pygg” referred to an orange-colored clay used in medieval England for household jars. Over centuries, English potters began shaping these “pygg jars” into actual pigs as a clever linguistic pun, giving birth to the modern piggy bank we know today!

Names for Different Styles of Money Holders

Depending on the design, material, and purpose, a coin container might also be called:

| Term | Description |
| :— | :— |
| Bust | A coin container molded into the likeness of a famous historical figure, animal, or superhero. |
| Mechanical Bank | Popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these feature moving parts where coins trigger an action (like a figure dropping a coin into a slot). |
| Safe / Vault | Miniature metal containers equipped with combination locks or keys, designed to look like heavy-duty bank vaults. |
| Collection Box | Typically used for charity, donations, or fundraising rather than personal saving. |