What is the origin of "that's using your noggin"?

I find myself using the phrase "that's using your noggin" in various situations, even though English is not my native language. Most likely I picked it up watching some tv show.

I understand that "noggin" means head, but it seems strange that "that's using your noggin" should be in widespread (in America, I assume) use, although it's not only used in this context.

What is the origin of this expression?

"Your noggin" is colloquial for "your head". Origin of noggin is as follows ( from the Online Etymology Dictionary):

1620s, "small cup, mug," later "small drink" (1690s), of unknown origin, possibly related to Norfolk dialectal nog "strong ale" (now chiefly in eggnog). Informal meaning "head" first attested 1866 in Amer.Eng.

So it means "using your head", the assumption is that you used your brain, implying that you had a good idea. Alternatively you could have head-butted something...

I don't believe the term "noggin" is restricted to the phrase "That's using your noggin!" in normal usage in America. I have heard and used it in the following way:

I stopped playing baseball because I got hit in the noggin pretty hard.

... or some such.

Depending on the context (your audience), you could substitute "noggin" for "head" whenever you want. That is, I consider it slang and probably wouldn't use it in a formal situation.