Griffen is an uncommon name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. The name Griffen is derived from the Old English word "griffin," which refers to a mythical creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an serpent for a neck.
The griffin is considered a symbol of divine power and vigilance in many cultures, making it a popular choice for names. In Greek mythology, the griffin was believed to guard treasure from humans and greed-driven monsters called dragons. They were also said to carry off heroes like Perseus and Andromeda.
Despite its mythological origins, Griffen has not always been used as a name. It was first recorded in the 13th century as a surname, given to individuals who lived near griffin-shaped landmarks or who had a profession related to griffins. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Griffen began to appear as a given name.
Today, Griffen is still quite rare but can be found in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. Parents may choose this name for its unique sound, its powerful meaning, or simply because they like how it sounds with their surname. Regardless of why someone chooses the name Griffen, they're giving their child a strong foundation rooted in ancient myth and legend.
The name Griffin has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the past three decades in the United States. Between 1985 and 1992, the number of babies named Griffin ranged from a low of six births in 1985 to a high of eight births in 1986. However, starting in 1993, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with 30 births recorded that year.
This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the number of babies named Griffin peaking at 110 births in 1999. This high level of popularity was maintained for several years, with over 80 births recorded each year from 1997 to 2003.
However, after 2004, the popularity of the name began to decline once again. Between 2005 and 2016, the number of babies named Griffin ranged from a low of 26 births in 2020 to a high of 78 births in 2004.
Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Griffin has remained relatively consistent in recent years. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of babies named Griffin ranged from a low of 26 births in 2020 to a high of 36 births in both 2015 and 2017.
In total, over the past three decades, there have been 1774 babies named Griffin born in the United States. This shows that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it has remained a relatively common choice for parents nonetheless.