Why Brits called it aubergine?

One of my favorite vegetable is the eggplant. This is very versatile and I can use it in a variety of ways from a simple Tortang Talong (fried eggplant) to Pinakbet (mixed vegetables).

 

I planned to cook a Filipino dish today and am looking for some vegies in the grocery shop. Of course, I won't forget my eggplant so I picked and ask the salesman how much the cost of each eggplant. Then he said it's an aubergine, I don't think I've heard that word before, or rather, I haven't known its meaning.

Why do the British refer to his eggplant as an 'aubergine'? I want to know. Upon my arrival in the UK, I am collecting all new words what the Brits are spoken which are different in American that's for me to know what's the meaning.

So, the name eggplant, used in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada refers to the fact that the fruits of some 18th century European cultivars were yellow or white and resembled goose or hen's eggs. The name aubergine, which is used in British English, is an adaptation from the French word derived from Catalan alberginia.

From now on, I will call it aubergine but going back to the Philippines its a simple Talong. Shall I call it fried aubergine too?

Brinjal plant from India. The green fruits turn yellow when ripe.