Welch Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Welch come from? What does the surname Welch mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Welch and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Welsh
Surname Welch Origin: What does the last name Welch mean?
The Welch surname has its roots in Old English, specifically from the word welisċ, meaning 'foreign' or 'welshman'. It was initially used as a nickname for those of Celtic or Welsh origin. The cognomen Welch was first documented in the early 12th century, associated with a Cambro-Norman nobleman named William de la Haye. Over time, it became a common surname in Scotland, while in Ireland, the variant Walsh became predominant.
YourRoots data indicates that the Welch surname emerged in the United Kingdom around the 16th century and gradually spread to the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Welch name is prevalent in the US, the UK, and potentially other countries globally, showcasing its enduring presence and diverse geographical distribution.
Welch Last Name History: Where did the last name Welch come from?
Origin of Welch Surname: Where does the last name Welch originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Welch first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 16th century. This information is based on the exact “Welch” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Welch: What does the Welch surname history look like in the early days?
In its early days, the “Welch” surname was closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England. However, by the 17th century, the United States began to see a larger volume of records carrying the Welch surname, indicating a shift in its geographical association. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, as reflected in the YourRoots database.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Welch surname today?
The Welch surname saw a significant increase in frequency in the United States from the 16th century onwards. By the 17th century, the United States had surpassed the United Kingdom in terms of the volume of records with the Welch surname, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Welch” surname is prominently found in the United States, but its presence is also notable in other regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom and potentially other countries.
Explore Welch last name heritage and Welch surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

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Olivia Scott Welch
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Savannah Welch
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