Show ContentsWalsh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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 325th most popular surname with an estimated 82,071 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Walsh is ranked the 151st most popular surname with an estimated 22,448 people with that name. 2 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Walsh is the 5th popular surname with an estimated 1,408 people with that name. 3 Australia ranks Walsh as 80th with 30,382 people. 4 New Zealand ranks Walsh as 126th with 3,624 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Walsh as 122nd 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 Patrick Walsh SJ (1912-1982), American Catholic priest, Jesuit, and biologist, he oversaw the construction of 15 new buildings, the creation of many new doctoral programs, and the overhaul of the undergraduate curriculum at Boston College
  • Gretchen Walsh (b. 2003), American competitive swimmer and the world record holder, two-time gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics
  • 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
  • ... (Another 35 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

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 21
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 22
Victoria steamboat disaster
Vimy Ridge
  • Lloyd Richard Walsh (1894-1917), Canadian clerk, Lance Corporal in the 44th Battalion from Manitoba who died at Vimy Ridge March 1917


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.


Suggested Readings for the name Walsh +

  • Patrick Walsh of Seward County and Related Families by Edward V. Walsh.

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  3. 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)
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
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  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
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  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  12. 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
  13. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  14. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  15. 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
  16. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  17. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  18. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  19. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  20. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  21. Universal Colliery Senghenydd 1913 disaster retrieved 21st September 2019, retrieved from http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/deathrolls/SenghenyddDead1913.htm
  22. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html


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