Aunt Sally based on a blackface doll itself inspired by a low-life character named "Black Sal", which appeared in an 1821 series of novellas entitled "Life of London" by Pierce Egan, a contemporary of Charles Dickens. The game dates back to the 17th century, although the name "Aunt Sally" may have been a later addition. It was traditionally played in central English pubs and fairgrounds. An Aunt Sally was originally the modelled head of an old woman with a clay pipe in her mouth; the object was for players to throw sticks at the head in order to break the pipe. The
The Name Game sang her version of the song in season 2 episode 10 "The Name Game" of "American Horror Story". Sheldon Cooper in Season 9 Episode 21 briefly sings "The Name Game" in "The Big Bang Theory". Ellis told "Melody Maker" magazine that the song was based on a game she played as a child. On May 3, 2017 Howard Stern stated that he sings this song to young children, and calls it "his secret weapon" saying "it not only comforts them, it also distracts them from [his] unsightly features." Using the name "Catie" as an example, the song follows this pattern: