Griffin comes from the Welsh Gruffudd, a medieval royal name of uncertain meaning that is usually explained as "strong lord"; it is also the name of the mythical creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body. As a surname and first name it has a bookish, slightly heraldic flavor. Griffin has been one of the steadiest names in the United States, ranking number 233 in 2000, peaking at number 214 in 2023 and standing at number 222 in 2025.