Griffy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland-Alt
Ireland

Etymology of Griffy

What does the name Griffy mean?

The Griffy 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.

Early Origins of the Griffy family

The surname Griffy 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.

Early History of the Griffy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Griffy research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1710 is included under the topic Early Griffy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Griffy Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Griffin, O'Griffin, Griffen, O'Griffen, Griffith, Griffey, Griffy, O'Griffy and many more.

Early Notables of the Griffy family

More information is included under the topic Early Griffy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Griffy migration to the United States +

Griffy Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Griffy, who was on record in South Carolina in 1782

Griffy migration to Australia +

Griffy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Patrick Griffy, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Hooghly" in 1846 2
Thomas Griffy, aged 35, a farm servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Sir Edward Parry" 3
Lot Griffy, aged 20, a farm labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Henry Moore"

The Griffy Motto +

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.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) HOOGHLY 1846. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1846Hooghly.htm
South Australian Register Monday 27th March 1854. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Sir Edward Parry 1854. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/siredwardparry1854.shtml