Why are mince pies called mince pies ?

[LadyEloise]

Why are mince pies called mince pies when there is no mince (meat) in them ?

Because years ago there was meat in them. Minced meat.

They’ve just evolved but kept the name.

metro.co.uk/2018/12/04/mince-pies-called-mince-pies-no-meat-8208658/
Quite interesting re the religious connection

Long ago they did contain meat, the suet is a remnant of the meat. They were more like meat pies with spiced fruit, like pork and cranberry pies we have now.

Thank you.