What was the original title of the song now known as "Jingle Bells"?

The original title of the song now known as “Jingle Bells” was “The One Horse Open Sleigh.” James Lord Pierpont copyrighted and published it under that name in 1857.

The song was first performed in Boston in September 1857 and was published by Oliver Ditson & Company. In 1859, it was republished as “Jingle Bells; or, The One Horse Open Sleigh,” helping the shorter title become standard.

Despite its modern Christmas identity, the song was originally a secular “sleighing song” about winter recreation, mishaps, and flirtation. It was not specifically written as a Christmas carol, and its exact place of composition remains disputed. Medford, Massachusetts, traditionally claims the song, while later research points toward Boston.

A common mix-up is treating “One Horse Open Sleigh” as merely a lyric from the chorus. It was the title printed on the original 1857 sheet music.