How to say it
GRIF · fin
ˈɡrɪf.ɪn
Masculine
Griffin
Strong lord, or 'griffin'
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.
How to spell Griffin
The standard spelling is Griffin. Common variants include Gryffin, Gruffudd, but Griffin is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #214 in 2023, currently #222 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
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
See Griffin from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Griffin mean?
- 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.
- What does Griffin mean in Welsh?
- In Welsh, Griffin means "Strong lord, or 'griffin'." 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.
- How do you pronounce Griffin?
- Griffin is pronounced ˈɡrɪf.ɪn. Say it as GRIF-fin, with the stress on the "grif" syllable.
- How do you spell Griffin?
- The standard spelling is Griffin. Common spelling variants include Gryffin, Gruffudd.
- Is Griffin a boy or girl name?
- Griffin is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Griffin?
- Griffin ranked #222 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.