Griffith is a name of Welsh origin that has been used for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Welsh word "Gruffudd," which means "strong lord" or "noble strength." The name Griffith was popularized by the Norman-French variant, Griflet, which appeared in Arthurian legend as one of King Arthur's knights.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Griffith can be traced back to the 12th century, with Griffri ap Gwenwynyn being a Welsh prince during this time. However, it was not until the 14th century that the name became more widespread in England and Wales due to its association with Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, also known as Owain Glyndŵr, who led an uprising against English rule in the early 15th century.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Griffith. One such example is Griffith Jones (1683-1761), a Welsh clergyman who played a significant role in establishing free schools and improving education throughout Wales. Another notable figure is Griffith Williams (1802-1845), a prominent Welsh theologian, biblical scholar, and Unitarian minister.
In literature, the name Griffith appears most notably as one of the characters in Charles Dickens' novel "Dombey and Son." The character, Captain Cuttle, uses the alias "Griffith" when he poses as a captain in the Royal Navy. Additionally, there is also a reference to the name Griffith in William Shakespeare's play "Henry IV, Part 1," where it is mentioned as one of the names on the list of rebels against King Henry IV.
Overall, the name Griffith has a rich history and cultural significance, with its origins tracing back to Wales and its popularity rising during the Middle Ages due to its association with prominent figures in Welsh history. While it may not be as commonly used today, it remains an enduring name that carries a strong and noble meaning.
The given statistics regarding the name Griffith show a fluctuating trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1899 and 2022, there have been a total of 1509 births where the name Griffith was chosen.
Looking at the data year by year, we can observe that the highest number of babies named Griffith was born in 2017 with 25 births. This is more than double the number of births for some years like 1899, 1931, and 1944 where only 7 babies were named Griffith.
The popularity of the name Griffith seems to have fluctuated significantly over time. For instance, there was a notable peak in the early 1900s with several years having more than 15 births each year. However, this trend did not continue throughout the century. After the 1930s, there were fewer babies named Griffith until another peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Interestingly, the past few decades show a pattern of increase followed by a decrease in popularity for the name Griffith. From a low of 6 births in 1970, it increased to as high as 25 births in 2017 before decreasing again to 13 births in 2022.
Overall, while the name Griffith has not been among the most popular over time, its popularity has shown steady and cyclical patterns since the late 1800s. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that parents have consistently chosen this name for their children throughout the generations.