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Griffin
Meaning: Latinized form of Gruffudd; mythical griffin · Origin: English / Welsh · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
Griffin is a Latinized form of the Welsh name Gruffudd. It can also be inspired by the English word griffin, the legendary creature with a lion's body and an eagle's head and wings.
Popularity of Griffin in the US, 1880–2025
2025: 1,627 US baby boys named Griffin — #222 for boys · Peak: 1,728 in 2023 · 1950: 14 · 2000: 1,468 · 2020: 1,492
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) national baby-name data, 1880–2025 (names.zip). Counts are babies of that gender given exactly this spelling each year; SSA leaves out a name in any year with fewer than 5 births.
How to pronounce Griffin
GRIF-in · IPA /ˈɡrɪfɪn/ (common American English pronunciation)
Language of origin
Welsh — Gruffudd, “strong lord”; also griffin creature
How the meaning and use of Griffin developed
Griffin is the anglicised form of Welsh Gruffudd and also evokes the legendary griffin; it has long been used as a surname and given name.
Related names from the same root
Gruffudd · Griffith
Sibling names that go well with Griffin
Sister: Aitana · Alaina
Brother: Maddox · Xander
Our editorial suggestions — similar era, style and length — chosen from names with full pages on this site.
Nicknames
Griff
Variants & related names
Griffith, Gruffudd, Gryphon
Griffin name art
A free preview of a printable “Griffin” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
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FAQ
What does the name Griffin mean?
Griffin means “Latinized form of Gruffudd; mythical griffin”. It comes from English / Welsh.
How do you pronounce Griffin?
Griffin is usually pronounced GRIF-in (/ˈɡrɪfɪn/).
Is Griffin a popular name?
In 2025, Griffin ranked #222 among boys' names in the United States, given to 1,627 baby boys, according to US Social Security Administration data. Its peak year was 2023 (1,728 babies).
What are nicknames for Griffin?
Griff.
What are other forms of Griffin?
Griffith, Gruffudd, Gryphon.
What are good sibling names for Griffin?
Sister: Aitana, Alaina. Brother: Maddox, Xander.
Similar names
Legend · Ace · Beckham · Camden · Tatum · Tucker
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Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.