Soccer vs. Rugby

In the mid-1800s, there were two forms of popular football in England: association football and rugby football. Rugby football was often called "rugby," and association football was sometimes shortened to "soccer."

American football draws its roots from both, but primarily from rugby. So that we continue the tradition of differentiating "rugby" from "association" football sports with the name "soccer" makes perfect sense, and if you have a problem with it, blame the 19th-century Brits, and stop blaming us Americans who merely kept their confusing tradition alive (while improving on rugby football significantly, by the way, and you're welcome).