Griffin is a Welsh patronymic surname derived from the given name Gruffudd, an ancient and historically significant name in Welsh tradition.Gruffudd itself comes from the Old Welsh name Grifud, where the second element iudd means "lord" or "prince." The first element is debated, possibly derived from cryf "strong." Thus, Gruffudd can be interpreted as "strong lord" or similar. This given name was popular among medieval Welsh royalty; for instance, Gruffudd (or Gruffydd) ap Llywelyn was an 11th-century ruler who fought against England.As a surname, Griffin likely originated as a contraction or Anglicized form of the original Welsh patronymic 'ap Gruffudd' (meaning "son of Gruffudd"), in a process familiar from other Welsh surnames such as Griffith (an alternative Anglicization) or Griffiths (an English patronymic form).The surname is primarily found in Wales and among the Welsh diaspora. It shares its roots with the more common English surname Griffith, from which the variant Griffiths is also derived. Distribution data from historical records indicate Griffin remained concentrated in Wales and neighboring areas of England.Meaning: Patronymic for “son of Gruffudd.”Origin: Welsh.Type: Surname.Usage regions: Wales, England, United States.