Rising since 1985, #222 for boys today.
Popularity of Griffin since 1881
Babies named Griffin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 35 |
| 1890s | 40 |
| 1900s | 61 |
| 1910s | 175 |
| 1920s | 222 |
| 1930s | 149 |
| 1940s | 177 |
| 1950s | 182 |
| 1960s | 160 |
| 1970s | 366 |
| 1980s | 1,347 |
| 1990s | 7,942 |
| 2000s | 14,556 |
| 2010s | 16,043 |
| 2020s | 9,596 |
Meaning & origin
Griffin has been steadily climbing in popularity since the mid-1980s, reaching its peak rank of 222 in 2025. That year, approximately 1 in 1,050 newborn boys were named Griffin, reflecting its broad appeal in states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The name's Welsh roots, from Gruffudd meaning 'strong lord', combine with the mythological griffin to give it a distinct, heroic edge. While Griffin was first recorded in 1881, its modern surge shows no signs of slowing, making it a solid choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and contemporary feel.
Griffin is an Anglicized form of the Welsh 'Gruffudd', composed of 'griff' meaning 'strong' or 'fierce' and 'udd' meaning 'lord' or 'chief'. It has been used in Wales for centuries, borne by medieval princes. In modern times, it also evokes the griffin of mythology, a hybrid of lion and eagle, giving the name a heroic associations.
Where Griffin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Griff
Variants: Gruffudd, Griffith
Sibling names for Griffin
Names that share Griffin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ella, Grace, Paige, Chloe, Brynn, Cambria, Finley, Gwendolyn, Jayde, Kallie, Mckenna, Oakley, Tinley, Wrenley, Brinkley, Carrigan, Delani, Ellington, Ensley, Laynee, Malerie, Morgen, Wrenleigh, Aubryn, Caylen, Ellerie, Griselle, Gwendlyn, Kynley, Rainn, Whitlee, Allaina, Aslin, Bailea, Brennyn, Breslin, Carlyon, Gwenna, Joscelin, Katalea, Malynn, Mattingly, Tensley, Aubreyanna, Brynnlie, Dylanie, Graylee, Jadelin, Matteson, Morganna, Riverleigh
Brothers: Owen, Caleb, Ethan, Liam, Mason, Baker, Bowen, Brecken, Briggs, Corbin, Ellis, Kenyon, Quintin, Brodrick, Crawford, Fitzgerald, Kendric, Kipton, Lawton, Maddux, Rowdy, Ryon, Stratton, Trystan, Wesson, Becket, Carston, Corwyn, Crayton, Deklin, Devlyn, Dillinger, Donivan, Hinton, Huxlee, Kanen, Keston, Latham, Maddon, Barkley, Bastion, Breckon, Chapin, Cougar, Dansby, Decklan, Dekker, Hodges, Holston, Kashten, Kellon, Lancer, Marsden, Motley, Rennick, Rigley, Tannen, Tannon, Traxton, Vallen, Barett, Breken, Caulder, Chanceler, Clayborne, Corgan, Cortlin, Daxten, Delance, Fitzpatrick, Furious, Grantland, Grayer, Haysen, Lenoxx, Myrick, Nohlan, Quindon, Quinnlan, Ridgely, Rushton, Ryott, Saxton
Names like Griffin
Names whose popularity has moved with Griffin's over the last 50 years.
