Find out how popular the first name Griff has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Griff by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Griff is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Griff.

The history of the first name Griff

The name Griff has its roots in the Old English and Old Welsh languages, dating back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "griff," which means "force" or "courage," and the Old Welsh word "gruffudd," meaning "strong chief."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Griff can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which mentions a warrior named Griff who fought alongside King Alfred the Great in the 9th century. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Anglo-Saxons at that time.

In Welsh history, the name Gruffudd was borne by several prominent figures, including Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, a ruler of the Kingdom of Gwynedd in the 11th century. He played a significant role in the conflicts between the Welsh kingdoms and the Norman invaders.

Another notable bearer of the name was Gruffudd ap Cynan, a 12th-century King of Gwynedd who fought to defend Welsh sovereignty against the Norman rulers of England. He is remembered as a symbol of Welsh resistance and national pride.

During the Middle Ages, the name Griff also appeared in various literary works and historical records across Europe. One example is the 14th-century French epic poem "Roman de Renart," which features a character named Grimbert, a variant of the name Griff.

In more recent times, several famous individuals have borne the name Griff. Griff Rhys Jones, born in 1953, is a Welsh actor, comedian, and writer known for his work on British television shows like "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Alas Smith and Jones."

Griff Furst, born in 1942, is an American film director and producer who has worked on several notable projects, including the 1981 movie "The Canterbury Tales" and the 1988 film "Barfly."

Griff Harsh, born in 1957, is an American former professional baseball player who played for teams like the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1980s.

Griff Rees, born in 1918 and died in 1984, was a Welsh rugby union player who represented Wales in international matches and played for the Neath rugby club.

Griff Rhys Williams, born in 1839 and died in 1911, was a Welsh writer and journalist who contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Welsh language and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Griff was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Griff, please contact us.

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