Griffin Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Griffin come from? What does the surname Griffin mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Griffin and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Griffin Origin: What does the last name Griffin mean?
Griffin is a surname of Irish, English, and Welsh origin. In Ireland, the name has Gaelic roots, with various spellings such as Ó Gríofa and Ó Grifín associated with different families. The surname is linked to prominent Irish clans like the Dalcassians and Kerry Griffins, who have a history of fighting against English rule. In Wales, Griffin is often a variant of the surname Griffith. The name has a long history, with records dating back to the early centuries BC in Ireland and expanding to other regions over time.
YourRoots data shows that the Griffin surname has been present in England since the 12th century, gradually spreading to the United States and other countries by the 16th century. By the 17th century, the surname had gained significant popularity in the US and continued to grow globally in the following centuries. Today, the Griffin surname is prevalent in various countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and beyond, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Griffin Last Name History: Where did the last name Griffin come from?
Origin of Griffin Surname: Where does the last name Griffin originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the Griffin surname first appeared in records from England in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Griffin” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Griffin: What does the Griffin surname history look like in the early days?
The “Griffin” surname remained closely associated with England in the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. As the 16th century approached, YourRoots data shows an increase in Griffin family records in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's geographic prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Griffin surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Griffin surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Griffin” surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, Nigeria, Turkey, Iceland, Latvia, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Norway, Australia, and Sweden.
Explore Griffin last name heritage and Griffin surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Griffin Surame?
Blake Griffin
Blake Austin Griffin (Mar 16, 1989 - ) is a former American professional basketball player known for his time with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Griffin was a six-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection, showcasing his skills on the court. He also played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he was named the consensus national college player of the year as a sophomore. Griffin's career highlights include winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and being named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Off the court, he has made a name for himself as a talented athlete with a competitive spirit.
Stewie Griffin
Stewart Gilligan "Stewie" Griffin (Born: January 31, 1999) is a fictional character from the animated TV series Family Guy. Voiced by Seth MacFarlane, Stewie is a highly intelligent toddler with a British accent and advanced vocabulary. Initially a megalomaniacal sociopath, he has evolved into an eccentric and flamboyant character. Stewie is known for his inventions, including time machines and mind control devices, as he tries to cope with infant life and his desire to kill his mother, Lois. Despite his violent tendencies, Stewie occasionally shows affection to his family and has become a breakout character in the show.
Patty Griffin
Patricia Jean Griffin (born Mar 16, 1964) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her stripped-down folk music style. She has received several awards, including a Grammy for Best Folk Album. Griffin's songs have been covered by artists like Kelly Clarkson and The Chicks. Raised in Maine, she began her music career after being scouted by A&M Records. Griffin's albums blend mellow tunes with high-tempo rock songs, showcasing her versatile talent as a vocalist and instrumentalist. With a career spanning decades, she continues to inspire fans with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful performances.
Peter Griffin
Peter Löwenbräu Griffin Sr. (né Justin Peter Griffin) is the beloved protagonist of the American animated sitcom Family Guy. Voiced by Seth MacFarlane, Peter is a middle-class Irish American in his mid‑forties, known for his Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts accent. He is married to Lois and has three children: Meg, Chris, and Stewie. Peter has worked at a toy factory, as a fisherman, and in the shipping department of Pawtucket Patriot brewery. His character is often involved in unexpected fights with Ernie the Giant Chicken. Peter has appeared in various TV shows, merchandise, and video games, becoming a pop culture icon since his debut in 1999.
Kathy Griffin
Kathleen Mary Griffin (born Nov 4, 1960) is an American comedian and actress known for her stand-up comedy, television series, and Grammy-nominated comedy albums. She gained fame for her reality show "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," winning two Primetime Emmy Awards. Griffin's controversial style and humor have made her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. She has also appeared in films and released an autobiography. Griffin's bold statements on celebrities and current events have garnered both praise and criticism throughout her career.
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