Walsh Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Walsh come from? What does the surname Walsh mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Walsh and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Welsh, McBratney, Walshe
Surname Walsh Origin: What does the last name Walsh mean?
Walsh, a common Irish surname, originates from the term "Breathnach" in Irish, meaning "Briton" or "foreigner." Soldiers from Britain, particularly Welsh, Cambro-Norman, Cornish, and Cumbrian soldiers, brought the surname to Ireland during and after the Norman invasion. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland and the 265th most common in the United States. Variants include "Walshe," "Welch," "Welsh," and "Brannagh." The Walsh surname has deep roots in Ireland, with notable families like the Walshs of Ballykilcaven in County Laois and the Walshs of Castlehale in County Kilkenny. The family motto, "Transfixus sed non mortuus," translates to "Pierced but not dead," symbolizing resilience and strength.
YourRoots data traces the Walsh surname back to England in the early 12th century, with a shift in prevalence to Ireland by the 17th century. The frequency of the Walsh surname increased significantly in Ireland by the 18th century, and it later spread to countries like the United States. Today, the Walsh surname is prominently found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting its widespread global presence.
Walsh Last Name History: Where did the last name Walsh come from?
Origin of Walsh Surname: Where does the last name Walsh originate from?
According to the YourRoots database, the earliest record of the surname Walsh is traced back to England in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. It's important to note, this data is specific to the spelling "Walsh" within the YourRoots database, and does not account for other sources or potential variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Walsh: What does the Walsh surname history look like in the early days?
The Walsh surname maintained a strong association with England from the 12th to 15th century, as per the YourRoots data. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of the Walsh surname began to increase significantly in Ireland. This trend in Ireland continued into the 18th century, indicating a shift in the prevalence of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Walsh surname today?
As we moved into the 19th century, the volume of records for the Walsh surname dramatically increased in the United States, surpassing other countries. This trend continued into the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Today, the Walsh surname is predominantly found in the United States, but also has a noticeable presence in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, demonstrating its global spread.
Explore Walsh last name heritage and Walsh surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WALSH
Famous People With Walsh Surame?
Joe Walsh
Joseph Fidler Walsh (November 20, 1947 - ) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Best known for his work with the rock band Eagles, he is also a member of other bands like James Gang and has a successful solo career. Walsh is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Maiara Walsh
Maiara Walsh (Feb 18, 1988 - ) is a Brazilian-American actress known for roles in popular series like Desperate Housewives, Cory in the House, and Switched at Birth. She has also appeared in films like Mean Girls 2 and Identity Theft of a Cheerleader.
María Elena Walsh
María Elena Walsh (1 Feb 1930 - 10 Jan 2011) was an Argentine poet, novelist, musician, and composer famous for her children's books and songs. Her work revolutionized the relationship between poetry and childhood, making her a cultural hero in Argentina.
John Baptist Walsh
John Baptist Walsh (c. 1750–1825) was an Irish cleric and administrator of the Irish College in Paris. He played a crucial role in consolidating the interests of the Scots and English Colleges into the Irish College, under the Fondation Irlandais, and renaming a street to rue des Irlandais where the Collège des Irlandais is located.
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