[2] The meaning of the name is “strong lord.” One of the oldest forms which gave rise to all other variations is Grippiud or Gripuid, which evolved into Old Welsh Griffudd.
The high central vowel sound of u/y was lost entirely in South Wales and replaced by the i sound, and the form Griffidd became standard in the south, the region to first be encountered by Anglo-Norman scribes.
[2] The form of the name encountered in Latin texts is Griffith, Griffini and Gruffin.
[2] Many variations have evolved since the Middle Ages and Tudor period, with many springing from abbreviated forms such as Griff.
[2] Hypocoristic forms, or “pet names”, included Guto, Gutyn, Gitto, Getyn, Gitton, and Gutta, with many of these becoming surnames themselves.