The Griffon surname is derived from the Welsh personal names Griffin, Gruffin, or Griffith. These were pet-forms of the Middle Welsh name Gruffudd, which was borne by many Welsh princes. The name came to Ireland in the 12th century with the Anglo-Norman invasion of Strongbow. There was also a native Irish line whose name originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Gríobhtha, which is derived from the word "gríobhtha," which means "griffin-like." [1] It is thought that most of the bearers of the Griffith variant of the name are of Welsh ancestry.
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Early Origins of the Griffon family
The surname Griffon was first found in the province of Munster, where they had been granted lands by Strongbow after the Anglo Norman invasion into Ireland in 1172.
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Early History of the Griffon family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Griffon research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1710 is included under the topic Early Griffon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Griffon Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Griffin, O'Griffin, Griffen, O'Griffen, Griffith, Griffey, Griffy, O'Griffy and many more.
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Early Notables of the Griffon family
More information is included under the topic Early Griffon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Griffon Ranking
In France, the name Griffon is the 1,752nd most popular surname with an estimated 3,471 people with that name. [2]
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Griffon migration to Canada
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Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Griffon Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
Miss Marie Griffon, French settler travelling to Canada for work arriving on 26th March 1638 [3]
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Ne vile Velis Motto Translation: Wishing nothing base.
Citations
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MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
Griffon migration to Canada 
Ireland-Alt
