Pronunciation: GRIF-uthd [key] (BBC)
Origin: From the Old Welsh name Grippiud which later became Gruffudd and then Gruffydd. Gruffydd is generally regarded as the standard form. The Anglicised form is Griffith or Griffin. Gruffydd was a common name amongst many medieval princes of Wales.
Meaning: From gripp 'strong' (modern Welsh = cryf) and iud 'lord, chief' (modern Welsh = udd).
Usage: A common name in Medieval times. The use of the Welsh spellings diclined from the 18th to the mid 20th century with the influx of English names and language, However the Anglicised spelling Griffith was popular. The prominant revival of Welsh means that the Welsh spellings (Gruffydd and Gruffudd) are now much more popular than Griffith. It's popularity is perhaps also due to its use as surname.
Variants: Gruffudd, Griffith, Griffin, Griffyn