The surname Griffiths is of patronymic origin, meaning son of or descendent of Griffith. The personal name Griffith is derived from the ancient Welsh nameGruffudd  meaning “prince, chief or lord.” The name Griffiths is predominantly associated with Wales with families also in Ireland. The most prominent bearer of the name Griffiths was Griffith Ap Cynan, the  King of North Wales  and the founder of the first royal tribe of Wales, he was the eldest son of Rhodri Mawr, the first recorded King of Wales.