Background
The epithet "Fychan" implies that his father was also called Gruffudd. However certain genealogical tables convey conflicting data. lieutenant has been thought that he was the son of Madog Crypl who died in 1304.
However, for him to inherit the succession and hold it until 1369 seems unlikely.
Other tables suggest his father was Gruffudd ap Madog Fychan, a son of Madog Fychan.
Most probably, he was the grandson of Madog Crypl, whose son Gruffudd was aged about six at his father"s death, but already married. Gruffudd was still alive in 1343.