Griffin

About Griffin

Griffin has two histories that meet in the same spelling. It is a form of the Welsh name Gruffudd, whose full meaning is uncertain, and it can also draw directly on the English word for the mythical lion-and-eagle creature. The name therefore combines medieval Welsh connections with a vivid image from ancient art.

Welsh origin and related names

Griffin developed as a Latinized form of Gruffudd, from Old Welsh Grifud. The second element means “lord” or “prince.” The first is uncertain, though a connection with a word meaning “strong” has been proposed.

Gruffudd was used among medieval Welsh rulers. Griffith and Gruffydd are related forms, while Guto is a familiar form in the same family.

The mythical creature offers a separate inspiration for modern use. Its English name ultimately comes from Greek gryps, rather than from the Welsh personal name.

Pronunciation

Griffin is GRIF-in, with two syllables and stress on the first. Both vowels are short, and the double f marks the central consonant clearly in writing.

The familiar English pronunciation works for both the personal name and the creature.

The griffin in art

A griffin combines a lion’s body with an eagle’s head and wings. The image has a long history in Egyptian and Middle Eastern art, reaching back thousands of years.

Its combination of powerful animals made it suitable for royal imagery. A bronze throne leg in the Metropolitan Museum of Art takes the shape of a griffin and dates to the late seventh or early eighth century.

In Iranian traditions, the creature could suggest a ruler’s elevation and power. Later rulers continued to use the symbol to communicate legitimacy. This artistic history gives Griffin more depth than a purely modern fantasy invention.

Griffin Dunne

Actor Griffin Dunne plays Paul Hackett in Martin Scorsese’s After Hours, released in 1985. Paul is a Manhattan office worker who goes downtown hoping to escape the routine of his life.

Instead, the evening becomes a succession of strange encounters and increasingly difficult attempts to get home. Artists, a waitress, and other unexpected figures draw him into a night that repeatedly slips beyond his control.

Dunne’s performance gives the name a recognizable film association alongside its older Welsh and mythological backgrounds. He also worked as a producer on the film.

Popularity in the United States

Griffin rose substantially during the late twentieth century. In 1980, it ranked No. 1,191 with 59 boys; by 2000, it stood at No. 233 with 1,468.

Its highest count and best rank came in 2023, with 1,728 boys at No. 214. In 2025, 1,627 boys received the name, placing it at No. 222. The recent figures show sustained use after the earlier period of growth.

How popular is Griffin?

In 2025, Griffin ranked #222 among boys in the United States, with 1,627 recorded uses. The U.S. birth records first list this spelling for boys in 1881; its largest annual count was 1,728 in 2023. Rankings count each spelling separately. They describe national use, so local familiarity can differ. The popularity chart shows whether the name has remained common, returned after a quieter period, or risen recently.