Gryffon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland-Alt

Etymology of Gryffon

What does the name Gryffon mean?

The Gryffon 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 Gryffon family

The surname Gryffon 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 Gryffon family

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

Gryffon 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 Gryffon family

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

Migration of the Gryffon family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: George Griffin who settled in St. Christopher in 1633 and later moved to Virginia; Hugh Griffin settled in Virginia in 1649; Catherine and Margaret Griffin settled in Virginia in 1663.

The Gryffon 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)