Griffith

Griffith is an Anglicized form of the Welsh name Gruffudd. It is a common personal name and surname of Welsh origin, with variants such as Griffiths (with an 's' for patronymic use). The name evolved naturally in Welsh and was also translated into Latin and English; Anglo-Norman scribes rendered the Welsh forms Griffidd and Gruffydd as Griffith.

Etymology and Origins

The root name Gruffudd derives from the Old Welsh name Grifud. The second element comes from Old Welsh iudd meaning 'lord' or 'prince', while the first element is uncertain – possibly from cryf 'strong'. Thus, the name is interpreted to mean 'strong prince' or a similar concept. The name was borne by many medieval Welsh rulers, most notably Gruffudd (or Gruffydd) ap Llywelyn, an 11th-century king of Wales who fought against English incursions and united much of the country under his rule.

Variants and Related Names

The Welsh forms include Gruffudd, Gruffydd, and Gruffud, with the diminutive Guto. The name came into Middle English through Anglo-Norman as Griffith, which later also gave rise to Griffin (used in English as both a given name and surname, often confused with the mythical beast). The Old Welsh original was Grifud.

Notable Bearers

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn (c. 1000–1063) was the last native Welsh king to rule all of Wales before the Norman Conquest. The name Griffith has also been used as a surname by many notable individuals, including Griffith Rhys Jones (1834–1906), a celebrated Welsh conductor, and US president George Washington's original family name was said to be related to this Welsh name (however, this is disputed).

• Meaning: 'Strong prince' (uncertain, but 'prince' or 'lord' confirmed)
• Origin: Welsh (Old Welsh Gruffudd)
• Type: Given name or surname
• Usage Regions: Wales, English-speaking world