Welch 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 Welch 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 Welch family

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

Early History of the Welch family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Welch 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 Welch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Welch Spelling Variations

A single person's name was often spelt simply as it sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. An investigation into the specific origins the name Welch has revealed that such a practice has resulted in many spelling variations over the years. A few of its variants include: Walsh, Welsh, Welch, Brannagh and others.

Early Notables of the Welch family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was Rev. Peter Walsh (1618-1688), who wrote "The Loyal Remonstrance"; for which he was excommunicated from the Franciscan Order; John Walsh...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Welch Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Welch World Ranking

In the United States, the name Welch is the 240th most popular surname with an estimated 109,428 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Welch is ranked the 830th most popular surname with an estimated 4,730 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Welch is the 539th popular surname with an estimated 1,297 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Welch as 475th with 13,609 people. 4


Welch migration to the United States +

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape the horrific conditions. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Welch:

Welch Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Welch Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Welch Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Welch Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Welch migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Welch Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Welch Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Welch migration to Australia +

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

Welch Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Welch Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Welch Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century

Welch 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:

Welch Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Welch (post 1700) +


The Welch 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.


Suggested Readings for the name Welch +
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