The surname Grifin (also spelled Griffin) is of Old English and Norman origin. It derives from the Old French word 'griffon' or 'griffonis', which means a griffin, a mythical creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle's talons as its front feet. The surname was initially used to denote a bearer of a coat of arms displaying a griffin, or it could have been topographical, referring to someone who lived near a prominent rocky outcrop where griffins were thought to dwell. The name became popular in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066, as many Normans adopted the name due to its association with their coat of arms featuring griffins. Over time, the spelling evolved from Griffon to Griffin as it was anglicized.
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The surname Grifin is derived from the Old English word "griffin," which means "giant" or "monster." It may also originate from the Latin term "Gryphus," referring to the mythical creature, the griffin, known for its lion-like body and eagle's head. This surname is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone thought to be fierce or strong. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Griffin, Grifon, Gryphon, and others, depending on regional dialects and spelling conventions. The name has been found in records dating back to the 13th century in England, suggesting a long history and widespread use of the surname.
The surname Grifin is predominantly distributed across various regions, with significant concentrations in England, Scotland, and Ireland due to historical migration patterns. In England, it is most prevalent in counties such as Kent, Yorkshire, and Somerset, suggesting Norman origins. In Scotland, it is found in areas like Fife, Lothian, and Strathclyde, indicating possible Scottish Gaelic or Pictish roots. The name also has a strong presence in Ireland, particularly in Ulster and Munster, where it may have been introduced by English settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. In North America, Grifin is commonly found among descendants of Irish and English immigrants, with concentrations in the United States (primarily along the Eastern seaboard) and Canada.
The surname Grifin has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Griffin, Griffyn, Griffen, Griffinne, and Grifyn. These variations are derived from the Anglo-Saxon name "Gryffin," which translates to "strong lord" or "fierce ruler." The spelling of the surname evolved over time due to changes in pronunciation and scribes' interpretations when recording names. Additionally, immigrants who arrived in America from various parts of Europe may have adapted their family names to better fit English spelling conventions, leading to further variations of the Grifin/Griffin name. The surname Griffin is currently the 85th most common surname in the United States and ranks among the top 200 surnames worldwide.
Notable individuals with the surname Griffin include:
1. Arnold Donald (born 1956), American business executive, currently serving as the President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.
2. Caitlin Stasey (born 1990), Australian actress, known for her roles in television series such as Neighbours and Reign.
3. Calvin Griffin (1874-1956), American politician who served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1925 to 1929.
4. Edwin Hubble (1889-1953), American astronomer, known for his discovery of the expansion of the universe and Hubble's Law.
5. Garry Shandling (1949-2016), American comedian, actor, and writer, best known for creating and starring in the television series The Larry Sanders Show.
6. Kelly Clarkson (born 1982), American singer-songwriter, winner of the first season of American Idol in 2002.
7. Liam Neeson (born 1952), Irish actor, known for films such as Schindler's List, Star Wars, and Taken. Although not his birth name, he is often associated with Griffin due to marriage and adoption.
8. Randy Quaid (born 1950), Canadian-American actor, known for roles in National Lampoon's Vacation, Independence Day, and Brokeback Mountain.
The surname Grifin is believed to have originated from various regions, including England, Scotland, and Wales. In England, it is derived from the Old English "grīf" meaning a griffin or a type of eagle, while in Scotland and Wales, it may be derived from the Welsh "gryffyn" or "gryfyd," meaning a griffin, or from the Scottish Gaelic "griobhan," which means sorceress or enchantress.
One notable bearer of the surname is Edward III of England, who was born around 1312 and reigned from 1327 to 1377. Another famous Grifin is the American professional wrestler Rey Mysterio Jr., whose real name is Owen Colón Rey Gracie-Benjamin. In Ireland, the surname Griffin was introduced by the Normans in the Middle Ages and is most commonly found in County Wexford.
The Grifin family has also been prominently represented in Scottish history, with various branches residing in Aberdeen, Dumbartonshire, Renfrewshire, and Dumfriesshire. Notable Scottish Griffins include William Griffin, a 17th-century shipowner from Leith, and Sir Archibald Griffin, who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh in the late 19th century.
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