Griffith Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Griffith come from? What does the surname Griffith mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Griffith and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Griffith Origin: What does the last name Griffith mean?
Griffith is a Welsh surname originating from the given name Gruffudd, with "Griff" possibly meaning "strong grip" and "udd" meaning "chief" or "lord." The earliest recorded instance of the surname was in 1295, but the given name predates this. YourRoots data suggests that the Griffith surname has its roots in Wales, with records dating back to the early 11th century. It has since spread globally, with a significant presence in countries like the United States, France, Canada, Australia, and more.
By the 17th century, the Griffith surname had gained prominence in the United States and continued to expand over the centuries. Today, it is prevalent not only in the United States but also in various countries worldwide. The surname's history reflects a strong Welsh heritage and a widespread presence across different regions and cultures, making it a significant and enduring name in genealogy and family history.
Griffith Last Name History: Where did the last name Griffith come from?
Origin of Griffith Surname: Where does the last name Griffith originate from?
YourRoots data indicates that the Griffith surname traces back to Wales in the United Kingdom, with the earliest records dating to the early 11th century. This represents only the precise "Griffith" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include variations or records from other sources.
History of the Last Name Griffith: What does the Griffith surname history look like in the early days?
The "Griffith" surname remained significantly associated with the United Kingdom, particularly Wales, from the 11th century through the 16th century. Its frequency increased considerably during these centuries. The YourRoots database also indicates that the Griffith surname began to appear in other regions worldwide, including France and the United States, hinting at an early global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Griffith surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of Griffith surname records started to grow notably in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom by the 18th century. This trend continued well into the 19th century. Today, the "Griffith" surname remains prevalent in the United States and other regions globally, based on YourRoots data. It is found in a wide range of countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, United States, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
Explore Griffith last name heritage and Griffith surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GRIFFITH
Famous People With Griffith Surame?
Melanie Griffith
Melanie Richards Griffith (born Aug 9, 1957) is an American actress known for her roles in films like "Working Girl" and "Something Wild." She comes from a family of entertainers, with her mother being actress Tippi Hedren. Griffith has received critical acclaim and awards for her performances, showcasing her talent and versatility on screen. With a career spanning several decades, she has left a lasting impact on the film industry and continues to captivate audiences with her work.
Andy Griffith
Andy Samuel Griffith (June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012) was an American actor, comedian, and television producer known for his roles in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock." His career spanned seven decades, showcasing his Southern charm and friendly persona. Griffith's early life in North Carolina shaped his love for music and drama, leading him to pursue a successful entertainment career. With a Tony Award nomination and iconic TV roles, Griffith left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in American pop culture.
Thomas Ian Griffith
Thomas Ian Griffith (March 18, 1962 - ) is a multi-talented American actor, screenwriter, producer, musician, and martial artist. He is best known for his roles as Terry Silver in "The Karate Kid Part III," head vampire Jan Valek in "Vampires," and warrior Taligaro in "Kull the Conqueror." Griffith also appeared in TV series like "One Tree Hill" and "Another World." He received comparisons to action stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Griffith co-produced episodes of "Grimm" and "Virgin River" and formed the production company Ian Page Productions with his wife. His diverse talents have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Nanci Griffith
Nanci Caroline Griffith (July 6, 1953 – August 13, 2021) was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for her Grammy-winning album "Other Voices, Other Rooms." She collaborated with artists like Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett, and was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. Griffith's music spanned country, folk, and "folkabilly," with hits like "From a Distance." Despite battling cancer, she continued to perform and inspire fans with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice. Griffith's legacy lives on through her timeless music and contributions to the Americana music scene.
D. W. Griffith
David Wark Griffith (Jan 22, 1875 – July 23, 1948) was an American film director known for pioneering film editing and narrative techniques. He directed the controversial film The Birth of a Nation in 1915, which sparked riots and led to the founding of United Artists with other Hollywood icons. Griffith's later films like Broken Blossoms and Way Down East were successful, but high production costs often led to commercial failure. Despite his impact on cinema, his legacy is marred by the racist themes in his work, particularly the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan.
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