Gruff

Gruff is a short form of the Welsh name Gruffudd, which is an older form of Griffith. The name Gruffudd itself is derived from the Old Welsh elements 'griff', meaning 'strong grip' or 'fierce', and 'udd', meaning 'lord' or 'prince'. It was a very common name among Welsh royalty and nobility throughout the Middle Ages, signifying strength and leadership. While Gruffudd remains the more formal version, Gruff has emerged as a distinct, albeit less common, given name, often used as a standalone name rather than just a nickname.

The name's association with 'rough' or 'fierce' in English is largely coincidental, stemming from the similar sound to the English word 'gruff'. However, the original Welsh meaning of 'fierce lord' aligns somewhat with the English connotation of a strong, perhaps unpolished, character. It has seen occasional use outside of Wales, particularly in areas with Welsh diaspora, but it remains predominantly a Welsh name.