Griffin
Griffin is a boys' name of Welsh origin meaning “strong lord; mythical griffin creature.” It ranked #222 in the United States in 2025. From the Welsh Gruffudd, combining griff (strong, grip) and udd (lord).
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how do you pronounce Griffin?
GRIF-in
where does the name Griffin come from?
From Griffinus, a Latinised form of Griffith, itself an anglicized form of the medieval Welsh Gruffydd, from the Old Welsh Grippiud, prince.
The griffin — a mythical creature with the body of a lion and head of an eagle — was a symbol of divine power in heraldry, adding a fantastical dimension to the name.
how popular is this name?
Griffin has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 56 years since 1881, and fell outside it for 89. It peaked at #214 in 2023, and ranked #222 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #222 |
| 2024 | #223 |
| 2023 | #214 |
| 2022 | #230 |
| 2021 | #232 |
| 2020 | #241 |
| 2019 | #232 |
| 2018 | #224 |
| 2017 | #243 |
| 2016 | #230 |
| 2010 | #232 |
| 2000 | #233 |
| 1990 | #602 |
| 1890 | #814 |
| 1881 | #781 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Griffin fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Griffin
Griffinus was commonly used in medieval Wales as the Latin form of Griffith.
who are famous people named Griffin?
- Griffin Dunne (actor)
- Griffin Newman (actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Griffin?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Griffin?
what names go well with Griffin?
Sibling names that share Griffin's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Griffin
What does the name Griffin mean?
Griffin means “strong lord; mythical griffin creature”.
What is the origin of the name Griffin?
Griffin comes from the Welsh naming tradition. Related forms include Griffith and Gruffydd.
How popular is the name Griffin?
Griffin ranked #222 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2023, at #214, and it has spent 56 years in the top 1,000 since 1881.
Is Griffin a boy or girl name?
Griffin is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Griffin?
Griffin is pronounced GRIF-in, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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