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.
Griff, Griffes, Griffeth, Griffieth, Griffiths, Griffitt, Griffth, Kerfoot
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

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 Hollywood family and has received critical acclaim for her performances throughout her career.
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 and Willie Nelson and was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame.
Tracy Griffith
Tracy Lee Griffith (born Oct 19, 1965) is an American actress, sushi chef, and painter. She is known for her roles in films like Fear City and Crazy in Alabama, as well as being one of the world's first certified female sushi chefs.
Griffith's unique style of sushi without raw fish led to the publication of her cookbook "Sushi American Style." She also released a second book titled "Stealth Health: Lunches Kids Love." In addition to her acting career, she has pursued painting and had gallery shows in San Francisco and London.
Corinne Griffith
Corinne Griffith (née Griffin; November 21, 1894 – July 13, 1979) was an American film actress, producer, author, and businesswoman. Known as "The Orchid Lady of the Screen," she was a prominent figure in the silent film era, earning critical acclaim for her performance in "The Divine Lady" and receiving an Academy Award nomination.
Gordon Griffith
Gordon S. Griffith (July 4, 1907 - October 12, 1958) was an American child actor, assistant director, and film producer. He acted in over 60 films during the silent film era, including as the first actor to portray Tarzan on film. Griffith continued working in the film industry until his death.
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