Griffin is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the word "gruffudd," which means "strong lord" or "noble strength." The name has been associated with several historical figures, including Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, who was the last Prince of Wales before the Norman Conquest in 1063. Despite its Welsh roots, Griffin is also found in other parts of Europe and even in the United States, where it gained popularity during the 20th century.
In mythology, griffins are creatures with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle's beak. They were known for their strength, courage, and intelligence, qualities that may have contributed to the popularity of the name Griffin over time.
The name Griffin has been used in literature and popular culture throughout history. In the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, there is a character named Lee Jordan, who is a announcer at Quidditch matches and whose surname is Griffin. Additionally, Griffin O'Neal is the son of actor Ryan O'Neal and actress Farrah Fawcett, further increasing the name's visibility in American culture.
While some people may associate Griffin with specific personality traits or characteristics based on their personal experiences or cultural influences, there is no inherent meaning attached to the name beyond its literal translation as "strong lord." Ultimately, the significance of a name like Griffin lies in the unique qualities and experiences of each individual who bears it.
The name Griffin has been consistently popular in the United States over the past several decades, with a total of 718 babies named Griffin between 1979 and 2023. The popularity of the name began to rise significantly in the mid-1990s, with 22 births each year in 1993 and 1994. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks of 37 births in 1997 and 24 births in 1996.
However, the popularity of the name Griffin has fluctuated over time. After peaking in 1997, the number of births decreased to 17 in 1998 and 14 in both 1999 and 2000. Despite this decline, the name remained relatively popular, with consistently between 10 and 20 births each year from 2001 to 2009.
Since then, the popularity of Griffin has continued to grow steadily. In 2016, there were 27 births, which was a significant increase from previous years. This trend has continued into the recent past, with 33 births in 2018 and 22 births each year from 2020 to 2023.
Overall, the name Griffin has shown consistent popularity over time, with peaks and valleys but an overall upward trend since the mid-1990s. As of 2023, it remains a popular choice for parents in the United States.