Original Meaning

• On the Republican Party's official web site it states that use of GOP meaning "Grand Old Party" is an acceptable meaning, but is not the original. According to the Republican National Committee the original meaning was "Gallant Old Party," a term that dates back to 1875.
  
  

Gallant Old Party

• After the Civil War, Republicans were associated with being the victors of the war. Because of the victory over Southern Democrats, the party was referenced to as the Gallant Old Party.
  
  

Why the Nickname

• It was not until 1888 that the Republican Party took the name from the Southern Democrat Party after winning the Presidency and majority of Congress. It was in an article in the Chicago Tribune that stated "Let us be thankful that under the rule of the Grand Old Party..." The Republican Party has been associated with GOP ever since.