Griffin: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Griffin comes from the mythological creature, the Griffin, which has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolizing strength and vigilance.

Griffin Overview

Meaning

Strong lord

Gender

Boy

Origin

Welsh

Etymology

Originated from the Welsh name “Gruffudd,” meaning “strong lord” or “prince.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈɡrɪfɪn/

Popularity

Griffin is appreciated in the USA, Canada, and the UK. In 2023, Griffin ranked #244 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Mythological, Cool, Uncommon

Associated Traits

Courageous, noble, unique

Name Day

October 27 (Welsh)

Griffin Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Griffen, Griffon, Gryffin, Gryphon, Gryffon

Common Nicknames

Griff, Fin, Griffo, Griffy, Riff

Diminutives

Gri, Finn, Griffie, Grin, Griffy

Famous People

Griffin Dunne
(American Actor and Director)
Griffin Gluck
(American Actor)
Griffin House
(American Musician)
Griffin McElroy
(American Podcaster and Writer)
Griffin Jax
(American Baseball Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Griffin Turner
("LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu," TV Series)
Griffin O'Reilly
("Nashville," TV Series)
Griffin
("Party of Five," TV Series)
Griffin
("Men in Black: The Animated Series," TV Series)
Griffin
("The Invisible Man," Novel)

Places

Griffin City
(Georgia, USA)
Griffin Island
(Massachusetts, USA)
Griffin Creek Stream
(Oregon, USA)
Griffin Bay
(Washington, USA)
Griffin Lake
(British Columbia, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Griffin?

Griffin means “strong in faith” or “fierce.” The name often conveys a sense of strength, courage, and leadership, echoing a bold and adventurous personality.

What Is the Origin of The Name Griffin?

The name Griffin has Welsh origins, derived from the Old Welsh name “Gruffudd.” It combines elements that mean “lord” or “prince,” suggesting nobility and leadership.

Griffin Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Griffin in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#2322021	#2302022	#2142023
Top 3 Rankings	#2142023	#2151998	#2191999

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Griffin

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	214 (+16 from 2022)	1722 (+185 from 2022)	0.09404
2022	230 (+2 from 2021)	1537 (-55 from 2021)	0.08206
2021	232 (+9 from 2020)	1592 (+102 from 2020)	0.08497
2020	241 (-9 from 2019)	1490 (-133 from 2019)	0.08055
2019	232 (-8 from 2018)	1623 (-54 from 2018)	0.08445
2018	224 (+19 from 2017)	1677 (+155 from 2017)	0.08628
2017	243 (-13 from 2016)	1522 (-173 from 2016)	0.07690
2016	230 (+6 from 2015)	1695 (+81 from 2015)	0.08368
2015	236 (+7 from 2014)	1614 (+77 from 2014)	0.07895
2014	243 (-18 from 2013)	1537 (-86 from 2013)	0.07500
2013	225 (-5 from 2012)	1623 (-29 from 2012)	0.08032
2012	220 (+7 from 2011)	1652 (+71 from 2011)	0.08141
2011	227 (+5 from 2010)	1581 (+64 from 2010)	0.07783
2010	232 No change from 2009	1517 (-41 from 2009)	0.07384
2009	232 (+11 from 2008)	1558 (+54 from 2008)	0.07346
2008	243 (-1 from 2007)	1504 (+18 from 2007)	0.06898
2007	242 (+14 from 2006)	1486 (+133 from 2006)	0.06709
2006	256 (-12 from 2005)	1353 (-23 from 2005)	0.06171
2005	244 (-3 from 2004)	1376 (-9 from 2004)	0.06468
2004	241 (-16 from 2003)	1385 (-151 from 2003)	0.06554
2003	225 (+3 from 2002)	1536 (+64 from 2002)	0.07310
2002	228 (+11 from 2001)	1472 (+54 from 2001)	0.07123
2001	239 (-6 from 2000)	1418 (-50 from 2000)	0.06856
2000	233 (-14 from 1999)	1468 (-77 from 1999)	0.07030
1999	219 (-4 from 1998)	1545 (+54 from 1998)	0.07577
1998	215 (+10 from 1997)	1491 (+127 from 1997)	0.07353
1997	225 (+56 from 1996)	1364 (+374 from 1996)	0.06828
1996	281 (+74 from 1995)	990 (+301 from 1995)	0.04941
1995	355 (+49 from 1994)	689 (+123 from 1994)	0.03426
1994	404 (+83 from 1993)	566 (+134 from 1993)	0.02777
1993	487 (+74 from 1992)	432 (+103 from 1992)	0.02091
1992	561 (+73 from 1991)	329 (+70 from 1991)	0.01567
1991	634 (-32 from 1990)	259 (-18 from 1990)	0.01222
1990	602 (+34 from 1989)	277 (+29 from 1989)	0.01287
1989	636 (-16 from 1988)	248 (+16 from 1988)	0.01183
1988	620 (-51 from 1987)	232 (-20 from 1987)	0.01159
1987	569 (+185 from 1986)	252 (+108 from 1986)	0.01292
1986	754 (-28 from 1985)	144 (-4 from 1985)	0.00749
1985	726 (+259 from 1984)	148 (+66 from 1984)	0.00769
1984	985 (-6 from 1983)	82 (+1 from 1983)	0.00437
1983	979 (+263 from 1982)	81 (+25 from 1982)	0.00435
1982	1242 (+169 from 1981)	56 (+11 from 1981)	0.00297
1981	1411 (-224 from 1980)	45 (-14 from 1980)	0.00242
1980	1187 (-98 from 1979)	59 (-8 from 1979)	0.00318
1979	1089 (-1 from 1978)	67 (+3 from 1978)	0.00374
1978	1088 (+11 from 1977)	64 (+2 from 1977)	0.00375
1977	1099 (+44 from 1976)	62 (+6 from 1976)	0.00363
1976	1143 (+514 from 1975)	56 (+26 from 1975)	0.00343
1975	1657 (+277 from 1974)	30 (+7 from 1974)	0.00185
1974	1934 (+190 from 1973)	23 (+4 from 1973)	0.00141
1973	2124 (+693 from 1972)	19 (+7 from 1972)	0.00118
1972	2817 (-613 from 1971)	12 (-6 from 1971)	0.00072
1971	2204 (+195 from 1970)	18 (+3 from 1970)	0.00099
1970	2399 (-936 from 1969)	15 (-15 from 1969)	0.00079
1969	1463 (+738 from 1968)	30 (+16 from 1968)	0.00164
1968	2201 (-294 from 1967)	14 (-3 from 1967)	0.00079
1967	1907 (+719 from 1966)	17 (+7 from 1966)	0.00096
1966	2626 (-545 from 1965)	10 (-5 from 1965)	0.00055
1965	2081 (+33 from 1964)	15 No change from 1964	0.00079
1964	2114 (-157 from 1963)	15 (-2 from 1963)	0.00074
1963	1957 (+325 from 1962)	17 (+4 from 1962)	0.00082
1962	2282 (-213 from 1961)	13 (-3 from 1961)	0.00062
1961	2069 (+242 from 1960)	16 (+3 from 1960)	0.00074
1960	2311 (-504 from 1959)	13 (-7 from 1959)	0.00060
1959	1807 (-39 from 1958)	20 No change from 1958	0.00092
1958	1768 (+118 from 1957)	20 (+2 from 1957)	0.00093
1957	1886 (+377 from 1956)	18 (+5 from 1956)	0.00082
1956	2263 (-691 from 1955)	13 (-11 from 1955)	0.00061
1955	1572 (+96 from 1954)	24 (+3 from 1954)	0.00115
1954	1668 (+370 from 1953)	21 (+6 from 1953)	0.00101
1953	2038 (-288 from 1952)	15 (-4 from 1952)	0.00075
1952	1750 (+25 from 1951)	19 (+1 from 1951)	0.00096
1951	1775 (+244 from 1950)	18 (+4 from 1950)	0.00094
1950	2019 (-317 from 1949)	14 (-5 from 1949)	0.00077
1949	1702 (-46 from 1948)	19 (-1 from 1948)	0.00105
1948	1656 (-57 from 1947)	20 (-2 from 1947)	0.00112
1947	1599 (-124 from 1946)	22 (-1 from 1946)	0.00118
1946	1475 (+656 from 1945)	23 (+12 from 1945)	0.00139
1945	2131 (-393 from 1944)	11 (-5 from 1944)	0.00080
1944	1738 (+25 from 1943)	16 (-1 from 1943)	0.00115
1943	1763 (+278 from 1942)	17 (+4 from 1942)	0.00117
1942	2041 (-455 from 1941)	13 (-6 from 1941)	0.00092
1941	1586 (+94 from 1940)	19 (+2 from 1940)	0.00151
1940	1680 (+115 from 1939)	17 (+2 from 1939)	0.00143
1939	1795 (+290 from 1938)	15 (+3 from 1938)	0.00132
1938	2085 (-398 from 1937)	12 (-5 from 1937)	0.00106
1937	1687 (+375 from 1936)	17 (+5 from 1936)	0.00155
1936	2062 (-406 from 1935)	12 (-6 from 1935)	0.00113
1935	1656 (+69 from 1934)	18 (+1 from 1934)	0.00168
1934	1725 (-139 from 1933)	17 (-2 from 1933)	0.00160
1933	1586 (+409 from 1932)	19 (+5 from 1932)	0.00186
1932	1995 (+212 from 1931)	14 (+2 from 1931)	0.00130
1931	2207 (-29 from 1930)	12 (-1 from 1930)	0.00112
1930	2178 (-655 from 1929)	13 (-10 from 1929)	0.00115
1929	1523 (-75 from 1928)	23 (-3 from 1928)	0.00208
1928	1448 (+673 from 1927)	26 (+11 from 1927)	0.00228
1927	2121 (-655 from 1926)	15 (-10 from 1926)	0.00129
1926	1466 (+117 from 1925)	25 (+2 from 1925)	0.00218
1925	1583 (+45 from 1924)	23 No change from 1924	0.00200
1924	1628 (+16 from 1923)	23 (+1 from 1923)	0.00197
1923	1644 (+239 from 1922)	22 (+4 from 1922)	0.00194
1922	1883 (-295 from 1921)	18 (-5 from 1921)	0.00160
1921	1588 (-45 from 1920)	23 (-1 from 1920)	0.00202
1920	1543 (-94 from 1919)	24 (-1 from 1919)	0.00218
1919	1449 (+90 from 1918)	25 (+2 from 1918)	0.00246
1918	1539 (-61 from 1917)	23 No change from 1917	0.00219
1917	1478 (+168 from 1916)	23 (+4 from 1916)	0.00240
1916	1646 (+136 from 1915)	19 (+3 from 1915)	0.00206
1915	1782 (-522 from 1914)	16 (-6 from 1914)	0.00182
1914	1260 (+181 from 1913)	22 (+8 from 1913)	0.00322
1913	1441 (-173 from 1912)	14 No change from 1912	0.00261
1912	1268 (-230 from 1911)	14 (+3 from 1911)	0.00310
1911	1038 (+155 from 1910)	11 (+3 from 1910)	0.00456
1910	1193 (-172 from 1908)	8 No change from 1908	0.00384
1909	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1908	1021 (-169 from 1906)	8 (-1 from 1906)	0.00481
1907	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1906	852 (-16 from 1905)	9 No change from 1905	0.00625
1905	836 (+369 from 1904)	9 (+4 from 1904)	0.00628
1904	1205 (-422 from 1903)	5 (-4 from 1903)	0.00361
1903	783 (+230 from 1902)	9 (+3 from 1902)	0.00696
1902	1013 (-234 from 1901)	6 (-2 from 1901)	0.00452
1901	779 (+271 from 1900)	8 (+1 from 1900)	0.00692
1900	1050 (-48 from 1898)	7 (+1 from 1898)	0.00432
1899	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1898	1002 (-60 from 1897)	6 No change from 1897	0.00454
1897	942 (+159 from 1896)	6 (+1 from 1896)	0.00492
1896	1101 (-27 from 1894)	5 No change from 1894	0.00387
1895	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1894	1074 (-8 from 1892)	5 No change from 1892	0.00400
1893	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1892	1066 (-225 from 1891)	5 (-1 from 1891)	0.00380
1891	841 (-27 from 1890)	6 (-1 from 1890)	0.00549
1890	814 (-25 from 1889)	7 No change from 1889	0.00585
1889	789 (+132 from 1887)	7 (+2 from 1887)	0.00588
1888	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1887	921 (+15 from 1885)	5 No change from 1885	0.00457
1886	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1885	936 (-172 from 1884)	5 (-2 from 1884)	0.00431
1884	764 (+179 from 1882)	7 (+2 from 1882)	0.00570
1883	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1882	943 (-162 from 1881)	5 (-1 from 1881)	0.00410
1881	781 First SSA data recorded	6 First SSA data recorded	0.00554
1880	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Griffin

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#3822021

#3972022

#3562023

Ohio (OH)

#1322021

#1402022

#1472023

Illinois (IL)

#2332021

#2042022

#1802023

New York (NY)

#3122021

#2942022

#3322023

Texas (TX)

#3842021

#3522022

#3632023

Michigan (MI)

#2002021

#1882022

#1372023

Massachusetts (MA)

#1412021

#1642022

#1272023

Indiana (IN)

#1332021

#1692022

#1332023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#2252021

#2262022

#1602023

Georgia (GA)

#2892021

#3102022

#2462023

Minnesota (MN)

#1102021

#952022

#1122023

Florida (FL)

#2912021

#3342022

#3322023

North Carolina (NC)

#2012021

#2692022

#1812023

Washington (WA)

#1562021

#1402022

#1502023

Wisconsin (WI)

#1532021

#1562022

#1402023

Tennessee (TN)

#1502021

#2042022

#2002023

Virginia (VA)

#2202021

#1982022

#1892023

New Jersey (NJ)

#3012021

#3242022

#2582023

Colorado (CO)

#1942021

#2362022

#1452023

Missouri (MO)

#2542021

#2342022

#1762023

Connecticut (CT)

#1962021

#2502022

#1712023

Kentucky (KY)

#2192021

#1692022

#1572023

Maryland (MD)

#3362021

#3142022

#2632023

Utah (UT)

#1272021

#1552022

#1352023

Alabama (AL)

#1662021

#2462022

#2292023

Oregon (OR)

#2322021

#1932022

#1262023

Iowa (IA)

#1312021

#1132022

#1462023

Arizona (AZ)

#3062021

#4542022

#2992023

South Carolina (SC)

#4152021

#2532022

#2642023

Kansas (KS)

#1592021

#1982022

#1062023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1412021

#1252022

#922023

Louisiana (LA)

#3742021

#2322022

#2712023

Maine (ME)

#1002021

#1002022

#832023

Oklahoma (OK)

#2352021

#3172022

#2882023

Arkansas (AR)

#5782021

#2632022

#1252023

Nebraska (NE)

#1832021

#2362022

#1772023

Idaho (ID)

#1522021

#1352022

#1402023

Mississippi (MS)

#3602021

#3492022

#2402023

West Virginia (WV)

#2742021

#2752022

#1562023

Nevada (NV)

#3472021

#4082022

#3692023

South Dakota (SD)

#1362021

#1332022

#1462023

North Dakota (ND)

#1282021

#412022

#1252023

Vermont (VT)

#472021

#542022

#1122023

District of Columbia (DC)

#1992019

#1842020

#2232022

Montana (MT)

#1362020

#1572021

#982022

Rhode Island (RI)

#2182016

#1642021

#1552022

Hawaii (HI)

#1532019

#2582020

#2232023

Delaware (DE)

#2102014

#1872016

#1902021

New Mexico (NM)

#3902018

#4042019

#3892021

Alaska (AK)

#2182011

#2372014

#2062016

Wyoming (WY)

#1562008

#1392009

#1382014

Popularity Rankings for Griffin in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Medieval England

Medieval England

#421377-1381

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#2492021

#2182022

#1892023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#3082018

#4092022

#3292023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#4751976

#3832002

#4802003

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#5722018

#5722022

#7702023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#10002017

#6912019

#9602020

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#9682017

#9442020

#8712021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Griffin a Name for Boys or Girls?

While primarily a male name, Griffin can also be used for girls, particularly in modern, gender-neutral naming trends.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Griffin

Griffen
Griffon
Gryffin
Gryphon
Gryffon

Griff
Fin
Griffo
Griffy
Riff

Gri
Meaning: Fair, white
Origin: IrishFinn
Griffie
Grin
Griffy

Meaning: Treasurer, bringer of treasure
Origin: PersianJasper
Lachlan
Meaning: Soldier, merciful
Origin: Latin, German, EnglishMiles
Meaning: Heaven's light, dawn
Origin: GreekOrion
Percival
Quentin

Griffin in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Griffin Dunne (Actor, born 1955): An American actor and director who appeared in "An American Werewolf in London" and directed "Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold."
Griffin Gluck (Actor, born 2000): An American actor featured in films like "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life" and the TV series "Locke & Key."
Griffin House (Musician, born 1980): An American singer-songwriter recognized for his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic performances.
Griffin McElroy (Podcaster, born 1987): An American podcaster and writer, co-creator of popular podcasts like "My Brother, My Brother and Me."
Griffin Jax (Baseball Player, born 1994): An American professional baseball pitcher playing for the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball.
Griffin Newman (Actor, born 1989): An American actor and comedian best known for his role in the TV series "The Tick."
Griffin O'Neal (Actor, born 1964): An American actor who appeared in films such as "The Escape Artist" and "April Fool's Day."
Griffin Bell (Politician, 1918–2009): An American lawyer and former Attorney General of the United States during the Carter administration.

Griffin Turner ("LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu," 2011 TV Series): A fast-moving character with the power of super speed.
Griffin O'Reilly ("Nashville," 2012 TV Series): A music producer who becomes romantically involved with one of the main characters.
Griffin ("Party of Five," 1994 TV Series): A mysterious and troubled character who has a significant impact on the Salinger family.
Griffin ("Men in Black: The Animated Series," 1997 TV Series): An alien with the ability to see all possible futures.
Griffin ("The Invisible Man," 1897 Novel by H.G. Wells): A scientist who discovers a way to become invisible and faces the consequences of his experiments.
Griffin Keyes ("Zookeeper," 2011 Film): A kind-hearted zookeeper who discovers that the animals can talk and they help him win back his love.
"Griffin & Phoenix" (2006 Film): A romantic drama about two terminally ill people who meet and fall in love.
Griffin Hawkins ("Teen Witch," 1989 Film): The popular high school jock who becomes the love interest of the protagonist.

Griffin City (Georgia, USA): A city in Spalding County with a rich history in the Civil War and agriculture.
Griffin Park (California, USA): A public park in Los Angeles featuring hiking trails and the Griffith Observatory.
Griffin Island (Massachusetts, USA): Located in the Connecticut River, this island is a nature reserve known for its wildlife.
Griffin Town (Quebec, Canada): A historic neighborhood in Montreal, reflecting the city's industrial past and vibrant community.
Griffin Creek (Oregon, USA): A stream in Jackson County, popular for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Griffin Bay (Washington, USA): A bay on San Juan Island, renowned for its tranquil waters and marine life.
Griffin Lake (British Columbia, Canada): A picturesque lake in the Monashee Mountains, offering opportunities for fishing and boating.

Sibling Names for Griffin

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Griffin Also Like

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Griffin Name Meaning