Griffin

How to say it

/ˈɡrɪf.ɪn/

What it means

Anglicized Welsh Gruffudd, from a root probably meaning 'strong lord.' Also (separately) the English word for the mythological griffin (a lion-eagle hybrid). The two roots merged in modern English usage.

Griffin has two roots that converged. The Welsh Gruffudd (a name borne by several medieval Welsh princes, including Gruffydd ap Llywelyn) probably means 'strong lord' (from a Celtic root for chief). The English word griffin (the mythological eagle-lion hybrid) comes from a separate path — Latin gryphus from Greek gryps. The two merged in modern English usage so the given name now carries both associations. Family Guy's Griffin family (since 1999) is one pop-culture anchor; The Magicians' Griffin a different one. The first name Griffin has been climbing the US charts since the 2000s, riding the broader Welsh-name revival alongside Owen and Dylan. It entered the US top 300 in 2010. Single short forms aren't common.

Heads-up notes

• Pop culture

  Family Guy's Griffins are the surname anchor; the mythological creature is the deeper visual reference (heraldic griffins appear in many Welsh and English coats of arms).

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 11th-century Welsh prince, the only Welshman to ever rule all of Wales

Spelling variants

• Gryffin
• Gruffudd

Names with the same feeling

• Owen Young warrior, or 'well-born'
• Dylan Son of the sea
• Liam Resolute protector
• Ronan Little seal
• Rowan Little red one, rowan tree

See Griffin from another angle