The name O'Griffy 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'Griffy surname is derived from the Welsh personal names Griffin, Gruffin, or Griffith, pet-forms of the Middle Welsh name Gruffudd.
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Early Origins of the O'Griffy family
The surname O'Griffy 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.
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Early History of the O'Griffy family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Griffy research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1778 are included under the topic Early O'Griffy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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O'Griffy Spelling Variations
Within archives, many different spelling variations exist for the surname O'Griffy. Ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in the name of the single person being recorded under several different spellings. Different spellings that were found include Griffey, Griffy, O'Griffey, Griffin and others.
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Early Notables of the O'Griffy family
More information is included under the topic Early O'Griffy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the O'Griffy family
North America accepted thousands of Irish immigrants during the 19th century as their homeland suffered under foreign imperialistic rule. Although settlers from the early portion of the century came to North America by choice in search of land, by far the largest influx of Irish immigrants came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Many of these Irish families left the country destitute and in some cases suffering from disease. However, those who survived the long ocean voyage were especially vital to the development of industry in the United States and what would become known as Canada. Research of immigration and passenger lists has shown many early immigrants bearing the name O'Griffy: 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.
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