Griff

♂ Boy

Pronounced GRIF /ˈɡrɪf/High

Meaning: A short form of Griffith/Gruffudd — from Welsh, variously 'strong lord; chief' and 'strong grip'; also echoes 'griffin'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Strong lord; chief: Griff is a short form of Griffith. Crisp, modern, and warm.

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Origin LowWelsh

MeaningA short form of Griffith/Gruffudd — from Welsh, variously 'strong lord; chief' and 'strong grip'; also echoes 'griffin'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#7384 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1960

Total births (all-time)≈ 286

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Griff is a short form of Griffith/Gruffudd — from Welsh, variously 'strong lord; chief' and 'strong grip'; it also echoes the griffin (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (said 'GRIF'; full form Griffith).

In the U.S. it appears as a short form. Rare, strong-lord-and-chief at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Griffith/Gruffudd is variously 'strong lord; chief' and 'strong grip' in Welsh — Griff is a short form (also echoing 'griffin'), crisp and modern (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'GRIF').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Griffith — routes layered

Variations

GriffithGriffinGruffudd

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Griff…

Griffith— the name it shortens

Griffin— a fellow Griff- boys' name

Griffen— a kin spelling

Rhys— a sound-neighbor Welsh boys' name

Explore names like Griff

By themeuncertain nickname-name welsh

By meaningStrength Leader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Griff mean?

Griff is a short form of Griffith/Gruffudd — Welsh 'strong lord; chief'; also echoes 'griffin'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Griff?

It's said GRIF /ˈɡrɪf/ — one syllable.

Is Griff a boy or girl name?

Griff is a boy's name.

How popular is Griff?

Griff is a rare name in the U.S.