Is it true or false that guinea pigs got their name in Victorian times they could be bought for one guinea pig?

Yes it is true. They became very popular as pets back then as they are now. They were usually traded for one "Guinea" which was a form of currency. The "Pig" name came from the way they squeal and whistle hence the name "Guinea Pig". They are really called "Cavy's" which is short for a much longer name.