The name Griffet originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Gríobhtha, which is derived from the word "gríobhtha," which means "griffin-like." 1 While most of the instances of this name in Ireland can be traced to this native Irish source, the name also came to Ireland in the 12th century with the Anglo-Norman invasion of Strongbow. In this instance, he Griffet surname is derived from the Welsh personal names Griffin, Gruffin, or Griffith, pet-forms of the Middle Welsh name Gruffudd.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Griffet family
The surname Griffet was first found in County Clare (Irish: An Clár) located on the west coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.
Loading...
Early History of the Griffet family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Griffet research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1778 are included under the topic Early Griffet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Griffet Spelling Variations
One name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer because one must realize that attempting to record a Gaelic name in English is a daunting task at the best of times. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origin of the Griffet family name include Griffey, Griffy, O'Griffey, Griffin and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Griffet family
More information is included under the topic Early Griffet Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Griffet family
The 18th and 19th centuries saw many Irish families immigrate to North America in search of land and opportunities. The largest influx of Irish immigrants to the United States and British North America came during the 1840s when the Great Potato Famine laid waste to their homeland. Hundreds of thousands left the island in an attempt to escape the starvation and disease it brought. Although the arrival of such a large number of destitute Irish was not welcomed by the established population in the United States and what would become known as Canada at the time, these Irish were an essential element to the rapid development of these growing industrial nations. They filled the demand for the cheap labor needed for the work in factories and in the construction of bridges, roads, canals, and railways. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has revealed many immigrants bearing the name of Griffet or one of its variants: Thomas Griffey, who came to the colonies of Maryland or Virginia in 1671; William Griffy, who was on record in South Carolina in 1782; James Griffey, who settled in New Jersey in 1868.
Ireland
