Griff is a unique and distinctive name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "griffin" which translates to "strong lord". The griffin in mythological folklore is a creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an serpent for a tail. In heraldry, the griffin symbolizes courage and strength.
The name Griff has been used as a given name since at least the 17th century in Wales. It is thought to have been used more frequently after the Victorian era when there was renewed interest in Celtic culture and naming practices. However, it remains relatively uncommon outside of Wales.
Despite its Welsh origins, Griff has also been used as a surname in other parts of Europe, particularly France where it is believed to have derived from Germanic roots meaning "strong" or "bold". In some cases, the name may also have been brought to Europe by returning Crusaders who had encountered it during their travels in the Middle East.
Today, Griff continues to be used as a given name in Wales and beyond. While it may not be as popular as some other names of Welsh origin, such as Owen or Rhys, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child.
The name Griff has a consistent presence in the United States with a total of 275 births recorded over the years. The popularity of the name peaked in the year 1960 with 14 births, and again in the year 2018 and 2021 with also 14 births each. This indicates that the name Griff has maintained its appeal among parents over time, with recent years seeing a resurgence in its popularity. Interestingly, there were no recorded births of the name Griff from 1977 to 2013, suggesting a dip in popularity during this period before it started to rise again in 2014. Despite this fluctuation, the name Griff continues to be chosen by parents across different decades, making it a timeless and enduring choice.