Griffin is the only common Irish surname named after a creature of legend. It comes from the Gaelic Ó Gríobhtha, from gríobh, "griffin," the eagle-lion used as a byname for a fierce fighter. The family's homelands were Ballygriffy near Ennis in County Clare and Ballygriffin in County Kerry, and the southwest is still Griffin country. Browse every design in our Griffin Irish family gifts collection, or use this guide to choose by budget.
A Small Gift: Ornament, Coasters or Mug
For a stocking, a Secret Santa or a thank-you, start small. The Griffin Christmas ornament is a double-sided ceramic keepsake. The Griffin coaster set has cork backing and a glossy printed top. The Griffin accent mug shows the family crest in gold and green on the Irish National Tartan.
A Mid-Range Gift: Flag, T-Shirt or Plate
For a birthday or housewarming, the Griffin garden flag brings the name to the front porch in two sizes (pole not included). The Griffin Irish T-shirt puts the Griffin emblem under the word Ireland, and the Griffin license plate suits the relative with a workshop or a truck.
The Big Gift: The Griffin Woven Blanket
For a wedding, anniversary or retirement, the Griffin Irish woven blanket is the heirloom. The family emblem and the Irish National Tartan are woven into 100% cotton, with fringed edges and three sizes up to 80 × 60 inches.
Welsh Griffins
A few Griffin families trace to the Welsh Griffith line instead. For them, the Griffin Welsh mug sits on the Welsh National Tartan. Our Welsh Griffin history explains that side of the name.
Put the Story in the Card
A card line that suits a Griffin: "Fierce as the griffin, from Clare and Kerry." For the full story of the family's two homelands, the Famine years and the novelist Gerald Griffin, read our Griffin surname history. If the family tree runs through Clare, the O'Brien history covers the lords the Clare Griffins lived under.
Griffin Gift FAQ
What does the Griffin name mean?
It comes from gríobh, "griffin," an old Irish byname for a fierce fighter.
Which Griffin gift works for Griffey or Griffith?
Our Irish designs use the Griffin spelling. Choose the spelling the recipient uses, and look at the Welsh range for Griffith families.
What is the best Griffin gift for a wedding?
The woven blanket, which a couple can use every day and hand on later.