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Griffin

♂ Boy

Pronounced GRIF-in /ˈɡrɪf.ɪn/High

Meaning: Strong lord; from Welsh Gruffudd: griff (strong, grip) + udd (lord, prince)High

In 30 seconds: A Welsh name meaning 'strong lord,' also evoking the mythical griffin — the half-eagle, half-lion guardian beast. Its bold sound and mythological associations make it a modern favorite.
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Origin HighWelsh, Latin
MeaningStrong lord; from Welsh Gruffudd: griff (strong, grip) + udd (lord, prince)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 38,126

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618812017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Griffin is the English form of the Welsh name Gruffudd (also Gruffydd), composed of Welsh elements interpreted as griff ('strong grip, strong') and udd ('lord, prince'). Several Welsh princes bore the name. It has been an English surname since the medieval period and began being used as a first name in the 20th century. The mythological creature the griffin (a lion-eagle hybrid) shares spelling but has a separate Latin/Greek origin (gryps).

Griffin as a first name gained traction in the United States in the late 20th century as part of the trend for strong-sounding English and Welsh surnames. It entered the top 200 boys' names in the 2000s and continues to rank there, favored for its muscular sound and mythological overtones.

Did you know? In medieval heraldry, the griffin was one of the most popular charges on a coat of arms, symbolizing strength, vigilance, and power — a fitting emblem for a name meaning 'strong lord.'

Variations

GriffonGryphonGriffith

Nicknames

Griff

Famous Bearers

  • ★Griffin Dunne (b. 1955)
    American actor and film director known for <em>An American Werewolf in London</em>.

If you like Griffin…

Grayson— strong English surname first name with the same modern confidence
Beckett— literary English surname equally popular for boys
Callum— Celtic-origin name with a similar two-syllable strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Griffin mean?

Griffin is the English form of Welsh Gruffudd, meaning 'strong lord,' and also evokes the mythical half-eagle, half-lion creature.

How do you pronounce Griffin?

Griffin is pronounced GRIF-in (/ˈɡrɪf.ɪn/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Griffin a boy or girl name?

Griffin is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Griffin?

Griffin has been in the U.S. top 200 boys' names since the 2000s and continues to rank there steadily.