Contents [hide]

Walsh History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Citations

Walsh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

With the arrival of the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 11th century came new naming traditions to the eastern region of Ireland. These new naming traditions actually meshed fairly well with the pre-existing Irish traditions. Both cultures made significant use of hereditary surnames. And like the native Irish, the Strongbownians often used prefixes to build patronymic surnames, which are names based on the given name of the initial bearer's father or another older relative. Strongbow's followers often created names that were built with the prefix Fitz-, which was derived from the French word fils, and ultimately from the Latin filius, both of which mean son. They also used diminutive suffixes such as -ot, -et, -un, -in, or -el, and occasionally even two suffixes combined to form a double diminutive such as -el-in, -el-ot, -in-ot, and -et-in, to build patronymic names. The surname Walsh is derived from Breat(h)nach which literally means Welshman. Phillip Brenagh, known as "Phillip the Welshman" was likely the progenitor of the family. Phillip and his brother David arrived with Strongbow, in 1170.

Early Origins of the Walsh family

The surname Walsh was first found in Counties Kilkenny, Leix, and Waterford, in Ireland, where they held a family seat from 1170.

Early History of the Walsh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walsh research. Another 129 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1170, 1580, 1604, 1606, 1615, 1618, 1654 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Walsh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walsh Spelling Variations

Church officials and medieval scribes often simply spelled names as they sounded. As a result, a single person's name may have been recorded a dozen different ways during his lifetime. Spelling variations for the name Walsh include: Walsh, Welsh, Welch, Brannagh and others.

Early Notables of the Walsh family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was

Rev. Peter Walsh (1618-1688), who wrote "The Loyal Remonstrance"
John Walsh who wrote "Lament for Oliver Grace" in 1604
Most Rev. John Walsh (1580-1654), the persecuted Archbishop of Cashel

Walsh World Ranking

In the United States, the name Walsh is the 325^th most popular surname with an estimated 82,071 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Walsh is ranked the 151^st most popular surname with an estimated 22,448 people with that name. 2 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Walsh is the 5^th popular surname with an estimated 1,408 people with that name. 3 Australia ranks Walsh as 80^th with 30,382 people. 4 New Zealand ranks Walsh as 126^th with 3,624 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Walsh as 122^nd with 40,471 people. 6

Walsh migration to the United States +

The Irish emigration during the late 18th and 19th century contributed to the melting pot of nationalities in North America, and the building of a whole new era of industry and commerce in what was seen as a rich, new land. Ireland'sGreat Potato Famine resulted in the worst economic and social conditions in the island's history. And in response to the hunger, disease, and poverty, during this decade the total number of emigrants to leave for North America rivaled all the previous years combined. Those from this decade that arrived on North American shores were not warmly welcomed by the established population, but they were vital to the rapid development of the industry, agriculture, and infrastructure of the infant nations of the United States and what would become Canada. Research into early immigration and passenger lists has shown many people bearing the name Walsh:

Walsh Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Jacob Walsh who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1635
Thomas Walsh, who settled in Virginia in 1643
Elizabeth Walsh, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1679 7

Walsh Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Jacob Walsh, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738 7
Joseph Walsh, who landed in Virginia in 1745 7
Dudley Walsh, who landed in New York in 1785 7
George Walsh, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1796 7

Walsh Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Walsh, who settled in Charles Town Massachusetts in 1803
Alexander Walsh, aged 29, who arrived in New York in 1812 7
Christopher T Walsh, aged 32, who arrived in New York in 1812 7
Henry Walsh, aged 33, who landed in New York in 1812 7
Margaret Walsh, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1812 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walsh migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Walsh Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Bartholomew Walsh, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
John Walsh, who settled in St. John's, Newfoundland, in 1756 8
Mr. Samuel Walsh U.E. who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1784 9

Walsh Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Martin Walsh, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1806
Richard Walsh, who settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1808
Robin Walsh, who settled in Quebec in 1825 with his wife and six children
Catherine Walsh, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1828
Honors Walsh, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1828
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walsh migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Walsh Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Edward Walsh, Irish convict who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. James Walsh, (b. 1777), aged 24, Irish convict who was convicted in Kilkenny, Ireland for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. James Walsh, Irish convict who was convicted in Waterford, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. Peter Walsh, Irish convict who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. Robert Walsh, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walsh migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Walsh Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Edward Walsh, aged 33, a carpenter, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
Mary Ann Walsh, aged 31, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
Eliza Walsh, aged 12, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
James Walsh, aged 10, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
Catherine Walsh, aged 4, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Walsh (post 1700) +

Michael Emmet Walsh (1935-2024), American character actor known for his roles in Critters (1986), Blade Runner (1982) and Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
John Edward Walsh (1958-2023), American political consultant and campaign manager
Don Walsh (1931-2023), American oceanographer, explorer and marine policy specialist
Christopher T. Walsh NAS IoM AAA&S AAM (1944-2023), American biochemist, Hamilton Kuhn professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology at Harvard Medical School
Martin Joseph "Marty" Walsh (b. 1967), American politician, 54th Mayor of Boston (2014-), United States Secretary of Labor Nominee
Chris Walsh (1951-2018), American architect and politician, Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives (2010-2018)
Joseph T. Walsh (1929-2014), American jurist, Member of the Delaware Supreme Court (1985-2003)
Edward Joseph Walsh (1942-2014), American political journalist and foreign correspondent for The Washington Post and The Oregonian
Colonel Walter Rudolph Walsh (1907-2014), American FBI agent, USMC shooting instructor and Olympic gold and silver medalist shooter, the longest lived Olympic competitor at 106
Dr. William Bertalan Walsh M.D. (1920-1996), Founder of Project HOPE (USA) and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
... (Another 33 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Walsh family +

Halifax Explosion

Mr. John Walsh (1827-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 12
Master Thomas Walsh Jr. (1908-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 12
Mr. John Walsh (1856-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 12
Mr. Thomas Walsh (1861-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 12
Mr. Edward Walsh (1861-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 12
... (Another 14 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Gordon Stuart Walsh (1923-1941), Australian Supply Assistant from South Plympton, South Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 13
Mr. Michael Henry Joseph Walsh (1921-1941), Australian Able Seaman from East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 13

HMS Dorsetshire

Thomas Walsh (d. 1945), British Petty Officer aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 14

HMS Hood

Mr. John F Walsh (b. 1917), English Assistant Cook (S) serving for the Royal Navy from West Gorton, Manchester, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 15

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. C N E Walsh, British Petty Office Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 16

HMS Repulse

Mr. Thomas Walsh (1908-1942), English Stoker 1st Class from Blackburn, England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse and survived the sinking, also sailed aboard the HMS Stronghold and was lost in 1942 17

RMS Lusitania

Mr. R. Walsh, English Greaser from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 18
Miss Ellen Walsh, American 2nd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 19

RMS Titanic

Miss Catherine Walsh (d. 1912), aged 32, English Stewardess from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 20

Senghenydd colliery

Mr. Henry Walsh (b. 1873), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died

SS Atlantic

Daniel Walsh, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
James Walsh, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking

SS Caribou

Mr. Patrick Frances Walsh (b. 1897), British passenger was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
Miss Catherine Walsh, Newfoundland passenger from Open Hall-Red Cliffe, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, she died in the sinking

SS Southern Cross

Mr. William Walsh (1895-1914), Newfoundlander from Northern Bay who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
Mr. William Walsh (1880-1914), Newfoundlander from St. John's who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
Mr. John Walsh (b. 1914), Newfoundlander from Colliers who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
Mr. James Walsh (1865-1914), Newfoundlander from Conception Harbour who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
Mr. James Walsh (1871-1914), Newfoundlander from St. Vincent's who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found

USS Arizona

Mr. Homan L. Walsh, American Ensign working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 21

Victoria steamboat disaster

Joseph Walsh, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881
Patrick Walsh, Canadian passenger who was killed in the Victoria steamboat disaster when the boat capsized in 1881

The Walsh Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Transfixus sed non mortuus
Motto Translation: Transfixed but not dead.

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html