Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Griffin
BoyWelsh· “strong lord (from Gruffudd)”
- Meaning
- strong lord (from Gruffudd)
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- GRIF-in
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #222
- US babies 2025
- 1,627
- Best rank
- #214 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Griffin
Griffin is a Welsh name that is usually said to mean “strong lord (from Gruffudd)”.
Griffin comes from Gruffudd, an old Welsh name borne by several medieval Welsh princes. The second part is usually explained as lord or prince, while the first is less certain but often linked to strength. English speakers turned Gruffudd into Griffith and Griffin. The name also brings to mind the griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, a symbol of vigilance in heraldry. Griffin feels strong, adventurous and a bit whimsical. Griff is the natural nickname, and it fits well with other modern classics.
Popularity over time
Griffin first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 56 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #214 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,728 babies. In 2025, 1,627 babies were named Griffin, and it ranked #222 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,563 in 1920, #2,065 in 1950, #1,191 in 1980, #233 in 2000, #232 in 2010, and #222 in 2025. Of the 51,051 US boys named Griffin since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 14,556 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Knox, Ismael, Zayn, Crew, and Cyrus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Griffin ranked highest in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #46 | 27 |
| Maine | #64 | 18 |
| Vermont | #71 | 7 |
| North Dakota | #96 | 12 |
| Minnesota | #114 | 55 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Griffin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Griffin is usually pronounced GRIF-in, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Griffin
A few middle names that flow with Griffin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Griffin
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Lists that include Griffin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Griffin mean?
Griffin is a Welsh name that is usually said to mean “strong lord (from Gruffudd)”.
What is the origin of the name Griffin?
Griffin has Welsh roots. Griffin comes from Gruffudd, an old Welsh name borne by several medieval Welsh princes.
Is Griffin a popular name?
Yes. Griffin ranked #222 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Griffin a boy or girl name?
Griffin is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Griffin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Griffin?
Griffin is usually pronounced GRIF-in. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings