The name O'Griffin 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 O'Griffin 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 O'Griffin family
The surname O'Griffin 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 O'Griffin family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Griffin research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1778 are included under the topic Early O'Griffin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
O'Griffin Spelling Variations
The recording of names in Ireland in the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. One must realize that attempting to record a Gaelic name in English is a daunting task at the best of times. Even today the translation is a difficult one. Accordingly, research into the name O'Griffin revealed spelling variations, including Griffey, Griffy, O'Griffey, Griffin and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the O'Griffin family
More information is included under the topic Early O'Griffin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the O'Griffin family
Irish families fled the English-colonized Ireland in record numbers during the 19th century for North America. Many of those destitute families died from disease during, and even shortly after, the long journey. Although those that immigrated before the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s often were granted a tract of land, those that arrived later were generally accommodated in urban centers or in work camps. Those in the urban centers would labor in the manufacturing sector, whereas those in work camps would to build critical infrastructures such as bridges, canals, roads, and railways. Regardless of when these Irish immigrants came to North America, they were critical for the rapid development of the young nations of the United States and Canada. Early immigration and passenger lists have recorded many early immigrants bearing the name of O'Griffin: 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-Alt
