Rummy 500 / 500 Rum The Rummy RulebookRummy games are popular in India, and it is likely that Indian rummy is an extension of gin rummy and 500 rum, which originated from the United States. Several theories about the origin of the name 'rummy' exist. [5] Some attribute it to the British slang word rum, meaning odd, strange, or queer. Others say the origin lies in the game Rum Poker