Surname Griffen - Meaning and Origin
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Griffen: What does the surname Griffen mean?
The surname Griffen is derived from the Welsh word "griffith," which means "strong lord" or "chief." It originated from the tradition of Welsh patronymics, where an individual's identity was based on the name of their father or grandfather. Hence, several variations of the name exist today, including Griffin, Griffith, Gryffin, and more. The name carries a suggestion of high status or leadership quality, and is also associated with the mythical creature, the griffin, a symbol of power and vigilance. The griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, representing a blend of intelligence and strength. This creature is popular in many cultures' folklore. Therefore, the surname Griffen may potentially denote someone from a noble or influential family, someone who carries the power, wisdom, and nobility symbolized by the griffin, or someone who assumed this surname based on their geographical location.
Order DNA origin analysisGriffen: Where does the name Griffen come from?
The surname Griffen is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in England, Wales, Australia, and the United States. The name is believed to be derived from the Welsh name "Gruffudd," meaning "chief" or "prince," and the "en" ending may be an old English diminutive suffix. The Griffen surname has undergone variations over the centuries, including Griffin, Griffon, and Griffith. In medieval times, it was common to adopt surnames based on personal characteristics, father's name, locality, or occupation, and Griffen was likely bestowed upon someone who was a craggy or fierce person, much like a griffin, the mythological beast having a lion's body and the head and wings of an eagle. Today, the surname is still predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, followed by England. Smaller concentrations can be found in Ireland, Canada, and Australia. This global dispersion of the Griffen last name is in part due to the historical migration and the search for better living conditions in the recent past.
Variations of the surname Griffen
The surname Griffen can be found in a number of different spellings and variations due to its ancient pedigree and the different countries and cultures it has touched. Some of these variations include Griffin, Griffon, Gryphon, Griff, Griffith, Griffyn, and Gryffin. Each of these variations has its own unique spelling but ultimately comes from the same root, often found in Welsh, Irish, or English background, all deriving from the ancient word “griffin”, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle.
As a surname, Griffen and its other variations also came to exist as patronymic names, meaning son of Griffin, such as Griffiths or Griffithson. These patronyms developed differently in each country; for example, in Wales, it is most commonly found as Griffiths, while in Ireland, you might find it as McGriffin or O'Griffin.
Moreover, the name was popularized for its connection to a legendary 5th century Welsh king named Griffin ap Llywarch. As a surname, it was used to denote one's ancestors, their reputations, or their professions. Therefore, keeping the lineage, honor, and tradition intact, this surname's iterations are highly respected and heralded across countires and cultures.
Famous people with the name Griffen
- Blake Griffen: An American professional basketball player who has played for prominent NBA teams including the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons.
- Kathy Griffen: An American comedian and actress who has won two Emmy Awards for her reality show "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List".
- Archie Griffen: A former American football running back who is most remembered for being the only player in the history of college football to win the Heisman Trophy twice.
- Eddie Griffen: An American actor and comedian known for playing Eddie Sherman on the sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie".
- Forrest Griffin: A former American mixed martial artist and UFC light heavyweight champion.
- Robert Griffen III: An American football quarterback who has played for the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
- Kenneth Griffen: An American investor, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of the global investment firm Citadel.
- Mel Griffen: An American singer, songwriter, and record producer.
- Seth Griffin: Producer and Interactive for Buzzfeed, known for engaging digital content. Please note that the romanization of the last name varies between "Griffin" and "Griffen". Some spellings might not match the exact form "Griffen".