How did the growlers get their name?

There are a number of different stories of how the growler got its verbal sounding name. Some stories say it was from the hungry sounds coming from stomachs of people eager to open the brew-filled container. Others say it was the sound the metal pails would make after being opened the first time. Whatever the case, today's growlers sound like most other beer-toting vessels, making the "pssssstt" sound when opened.