Walsh is a common Irish

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

, meaning "

Briton British people or Britons, also known colloquially as Brits, are the citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown dependencies.: British nationality law governs mod ...

" or "foreigner", literally "Welshman" or "Wales", taken to

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel. Ireland is the s ...

by soldiers from Britain, namely

Cambro-Norman Cambro-Normans ( la, Cambria; "Wales", cy, Normaniaid Cymreig; nrf, Nouormands Galles) were Normans who settled in southern Wales, and the Welsh Marches, after the Norman invasion of Wales, allied with their counterpart families who settled E ...

Welsh Welsh may refer to: Related to Wales * Welsh, referring or related to Wales * Welsh language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in Wales * Welsh people People * Welsh (surname) * Sometimes used as a synonym for the ancient Britons (Celtic peopl ...

, Cornish and

Cumbria Cumbria ( ) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in North West England, bordering Scotland. The county and Cumbria County Council, its local government, came into existence in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. ...

n soldiers during and after the

Norman invasion of Ireland The Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland took place during the late 12th century, when Anglo-Normans gradually conquered and acquired large swathes of land from the Irish, over which the kings of England then claimed sovereignty, all allegedly san ...

. It is most common in

County Mayo County Mayo (; ga, Contae Mhaigh Eo, meaning "Plain of the yew trees") is a county in Ireland. In the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht, it is named after the village of Mayo, now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Counci ...

and

County Kilkenny County Kilkenny ( gle, Contae Chill Chainnigh) is a county in Ireland. It is in the province of Leinster and is part of the South-East Region. It is named after the city of Kilkenny. Kilkenny County Council is the local authority for the cou ...

. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland, and the 265th most common in the United States. There are variants including "Walshe", “ Welch”, "Welsh", "Brannagh", and the Irish "Breathnach". Walsh is uncommon as a

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a ...

. The name is often pronounced "Welsh" in the south and west of the country. In Great Britain,

Guppy The guppy (), also known as millionfish and rainbow fish, is one of the world's most widely distributed tropical fish and one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species. It is a member of the family Poeciliidae and, like almost all ...

encountered the name only in

Lancashire Lancashire ( , ; abbreviated Lancs) is the name of a historic county, ceremonial county, and non-metropolitan county in North West England. The boundaries of these three areas differ significantly. The non-metropolitan county of Lancas ...

. It is the surname of the Barons Ormathwaite.

Origins in Ireland

There are several Walsh families in Ireland who have recognized coats of arms. These are the Walshs of Ballykilcaven in

County Laois County Laois ( ; gle, Contae Laoise) is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and in the province of Leinster. It was known as Queen's County from 1556 to 1922. The modern county takes its name from Loígis, a med ...

whose motto is "Firm" and their crest is a griffin's head. The Walshs of Castlehale in

have a crest with a swan pierced by an arrow, and their motto is "Pierced but not dead". The Walshs of Carrickmines Castle,

County Dublin "Action to match our speech" , image_map = Island_of_Ireland_location_map_Dublin.svg , map_alt = map showing County Dublin as a small area of darker green on the east coast within the lighter green background of ...

have a crest with a demi-lion rampant and their motto is "Do not irritate the lions". However, there were Walshs all over Ireland. One theory as to their origin is that they have a common ancestor in 'Walynus' who came to Ireland in the military retinue of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan and it is from 'Walynus' who the famed Walsh of the Mountains family in County Kilkenny was established. Other sources suggest 'Phillip of Wales' who could have been the same person as 'Walynus' whose son, Howel, gave his name to their stronghold Castle Hoel, which was also known as Castlehale or Castlehowel. Other theories are that the Walshs originated from

Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire ( ; cy, Sir Benfro ) is a county in the south-west of Wales. It is bordered by Carmarthenshire to the east, Ceredigion to the northeast, and the rest by sea. The county is home to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The Park oc ...

, that they had close ties with the barons of

Cornwall Cornwall (; kw, Kernow ) is a Historic counties of England, historic county and Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South West England. It is recognised as one of the Celtic nations, and is the homeland of the Cornish people ...

or that they descended from Owen Gwynnes, a prince of north

Wales Wales ( cy, Cymru ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the Bristol Channel to the south. It had a population in ...

. During the

Wars of the Three Kingdoms The Wars of the Three Kingdoms were a series of related conflicts fought between 1639 and 1653 in the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, then separate entities united in a personal union under Charles I. They include the 1639 to 1640 Bi ...

the Walsh of the Mountains family in Kilkenny took up arms against

Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell (25 April 15993 September 1658) was an English politician and military officer who is widely regarded as one of the most important statesmen in English history. He came to prominence during the 1639 to 1651 Wars of the Three ...

and as a result their stronghold of Castlehale was besieged and taken in 1650. The survivors were executed and thrown into a burial pit at the bottom of a hill near the castle. In the nineteenth century their remains were uncovered during road building near the hill.

Motto

The Walsh family Motto in Latin is ‘Transfixus sed non mortuus’. Translated to in current English as ‘Pierced but not dead’. Many translations incorrectly translate ‘Transfixus’ to ‘Transfixed’ which is a literal translation. Most coats of arms you will only see the shield, many images omit the ‘Pierced’ or ‘impailed’ swan, which gives the translation greater context and meaning. There are many views on the meaning behind the translation, however most coats of arms would denote a statement of positivity. Many believe the pierced or impaling is a sign or resilience and strength.

People with the surname

People with the surname include:

A–E

* A. D. Walsh, British chemist * Adam Walsh (American football) (1901–1985), American football player and coach *

Addie Walsh Addie Walsh (born 1953) is an American television soap opera writer. She last wrote for ''All My Children''. She now writes independently. Her one-woman show, ''That's All I Got'', received an award at the United Solo Festival in 2014, in New Y ...

, soap opera writer * Adrian Walsh (born 1963), Australian philosopher * Alan Walsh (disambiguation) * Andrew Walsh (politician) (1838–1889), American politician and judge *

Augie Walsh August Sothley "Augie" Walsh (August 17, 1904 – November 12, 1985) was an American professional baseball pitcher. Walsh played for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball in and . In 39 career games, he had a 4–10 record with a 6.0 ...

, baseball player * Benjamin Dann Walsh, American entomologist * Bertram John Walsh (born 1938), American mathematician * Bill Walsh (disambiguation) * Blaine Walsh, Milwaukee Braves and Green Bay Packers announcer *

Bradley Walsh Bradley John Walsh (born 4 June 1960) is an English actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, and former professional footballer. Walsh is known for his roles as Danny Baldwin in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2004–2006), a ...

, footballer, TV presenter and soap actor * Brendan Walsh, American chef *

Brendon Walsh Brendon Michael Walsh (born July 27, 1978) is an American stand-up comedian and podcaster originally from Philadelphia. Career Walsh started performing stand-up comedy in Austin, Texas in 2002. He has appeared on '' The Price Is Right'', '' ...

, American stand-up comedian * Brian Walsh (disambiguation) * Carl E. Walsh, economist and professor * Christopher Walsh (disambiguation) * Christy Walsh (disambiguation) * Colin Walsh (disambiguation) *

Courtney Walsh Courtney Andrew Walsh OJ (born 30 October 1962) is a former Jamaican cricketer who represented the West Indies from 1984 to 2001, captaining the West Indies in 22 Test matches. He is a fast bowler and considered one of the all-time greats, best ...

, former international cricketer * Craig Walsh (born 1971), American composer * David I. Walsh, Senator and Governor of Massachusetts * David Walsh (disambiguation), multiple people * Ed Walsh (1881–1959), baseball player * Eddie Walsh (disambiguation) *

Edmund A. Walsh Fr. Edmund Aloysius Walsh, S.J. (October 10, 1885 – October 31, 1956) was an American Jesuit Catholic priest, author, professor of geopolitics and founder of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, the first school for interna ...

(1885–1956), Jesuit priest and educator * Edward Walsh (disambiguation) * Eileen Walsh, Irish actress * Ellard A. Walsh, U.S. National Guard and Army officer * Evalyn Walsh, last private owner of the Hope Diamond

F–J

Fintan Patrick Walsh Fintan Patrick Walsh (13 August 1894 – 16 May 1963) was a notable New Zealand seaman, trade unionist and farmer. He was born in Patutahi, Poverty Bay, on the East Coast of New Zealand in 1894, and died in Wellington in 1963. He was a fo ...

(1894–1963), New Zealand politician and union leader * Frances Walsh (born 1959), screenwriter, film producer, and musician * Frank B. Walsh (1895–1978), Canadian-American ophthalmologist * Hayden Walsh Jr, West Indies cricketer * Holly Walsh, British comedian *

Ian Walsh (footballer) Ian Patrick Walsh (born 4 September 1958 in St David's) is a former Wales international footballer. Club career Walsh began his career at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1977, before forcing his way into the first team, making his de ...

(born 1958), Welsh international footballer *

J. T. Walsh James Thomas Patrick Walsh (September 28, 1943 – February 27, 1998) was an American character actor. His many films include ''Tin Men'' (1987), ''Good Morning, Vietnam'' (1987), '' A Few Good Men'' (1992), '' Hoffa'' (1992), ''Nixon'' (1995), ...

, American actor * Jack Walsh (disambiguation) * Jake Walsh (born 1995), American baseball player * James Walsh (disambiguation) * Jamie Walsh, rugby league footballer of the 1970s *

Jared Walsh Jared James Walsh (born July 30, 1993) is an American professional baseball first baseman and outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). Walsh was born in Brookfield, Wisconsin and later moved to Georgia where he atte ...

, American baseball player *

Jeffrey Walsh Jeffrey Joseph Walsh (born November 29, 1965) is an American prelate of the Catholic Church who serves as bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord. Biography Jeffrey Walsh was born on November 29, 1965, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. On June 25, 1994, W ...

, Catholic bishop elect of Gaylord, Michigan, U.S. * Jill Paton Walsh (1937–2020), English novelist and children's writer * Jimmy Walsh (baseball outfielder), Irish baseball player * Jim Walsh (disambiguation) *

Joan Walsh Joan Maureen Walsh (born September 18, 1958) is a liberal American political pundit and journalist. Walsh is national affairs correspondent for ''The Nation,'' and was previously an on-air political analyst at CNN and MSNBC. She produced the 2 ...

, journalist * Joan E. Walsh, British numerical analyst *

Joe Walsh Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In a career spanning over five decades, he has been a member of three successful rock bands: the James Gang, Eagles, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr ...

, American guitarist and rock musician *

Joe Walsh (American politician) William Joseph Walsh (born December 27, 1961) is an American politician, talk radio host, former social worker, and former 2020 Republican presidential candidate who served one term in the United States House of Representatives representing . ...

, American politician * Joe Walsh (Irish politician), Irish politician * John Walsh (disambiguation), including people named Jack * Joseph L. Walsh (1895–1973), American mathematician

K–P

Kate Walsh (actress) Kathleen Erin Walsh (born October 13, 1967) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery on the ABC television dramas ''Grey's Anatomy'' and '' Private Practice''. She is also known for her roles as Rebecca Wr ...

(born 1967), American actress * Kate Walsh (presenter) (born 1981), British TV presenter *

Kay Walsh Kathleen "Kay" Walsh (15 November 1911 – 16 April 2005) was an English actress, dancer, and screenwriter. Her film career prospered after she met her future husband film director David Lean, with whom she worked on prestige productions such as ...

, an English actress and dancer * Keira Walsh (born 1997), English association football player *

Kerri Walsh Jennings Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings (born August 15, 1978) is an American professional beach volleyball player, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a one-time Olympic bronze medalist. She is the beach volleyball leader in career victories as of 2016 hav ...

(born 1978), American beach volleyball player * Kimberley Walsh, member of British girlband

Girls Aloud Girls Aloud were an pop girl group that was created through the ITV talent show '' Popstars: The Rivals'' in 2002. The group comprised singers Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. The group achieved a str ...

* Lawrence Walsh (regarding Iran Contra Affair) *Leighton Walsh, DJ better known by the stage name Walshy Fire * Lois Walsh, American Air Force advanced computing researcher *

Louis Walsh Michael Louis Vincent Walsh (born 5 August 1952) is an Irish music manager and television personality. He has managed Johnny Logan, Boyzone, Jedward and Westlife, four of Ireland's most successful pop acts in the 1990s and 2000s. He later be ...

(born 1952), Irish pop music manager and ''X Factor'' judge *

Maiara Walsh Maiara Kylior Walsh (born February 18, 1988) is an American actress and singer. She played Ana Solis on the sixth season of the ABC show ''Desperate Housewives'', Meena Paroom on the Disney Channel sitcom ''Cory in the House'' and Simone Sinclai ...

, American actress * María Elena Walsh, Argentine singer and writer * Mark Walsh (disambiguation) * Martin Walsh (disambiguation) *

Marty Walsh Martin Joseph Walsh (born April 10, 1967) is an American politician and former union official. He has been the 29th United States Secretary of Labor since March 23, 2021. A Democrat, he previously served as the 54th mayor of Boston from 2014, ...

, U.S. Secretary of Labor, mayor of Boston, Massachusetts * Mary Walsh (disambiguation) * Matt Walsh (disambiguation) * Maureen Walsh (born 1969), American politician *

Maurice Walsh Maurice Walsh (2 May 1879 – 18 February 1964) was an Irish novelist, now best known for his short story "The Quiet Man", later made into the Oscar-winning film ''The Quiet Man'', directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Har ...

, Irish novelist * Michael Walsh (Medal of Honor), American Medal of Honor recipients * Michaela Walsh (disambiguation) *

Mickey Walsh Michael Anthony Walsh (born 13 August 1954) is a former professional footballer who works as a football agent. A striker, he spent his club career in England and Portugal. Born in England, he represented the Republic of Ireland national team ...

, Irish footballer and football agent *

Noel Walsh Noel Walsh (29 December 1935 – 29 April 2020) was an Irish Gaelic footballer, administrator, selector, manager and member of the Defence Forces. As a selector and manager, he worked with the Clare county team. As a provincial administrator h ...

, Irish Gaelic footballer, administrator, selector, manager and member of the Defence Forces *

Norman Walsh Air Marshal Norman Walsh, OLM, BCR, ESM (22 May 1933 – 3 August 2010) was a senior officer in the Rhodesian Air Force and the first commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Early life Norman Walsh was born on 22 May 1933 and attended Quee ...

, Rhodesian and Zimbabwean air marshal * Orla Walsh, Irish track cyclist * Pat Walsh (disambiguation) * Patricia Walsh (born 1952), Argentine political activist, daughter of Rodolfo Walsh * Patrick Walsh (disambiguation) * Paul Walsh (disambiguation) * Peter Walsh (disambiguation) *

Phil Walsh (Australian footballer) Phillip Walsh (15 March 1960 – 3 July 2015) was an Australian rules footballer and coach. Walsh played for Collingwood, Richmond and the Brisbane Bears in the Victorian Football League (VFL) between 1983 and 1990. Upon ending his playing ca ...

, Australian rules football player and coach (murdered in 2015) * Phil Walsh (English footballer), English association footballer *

Phil K. Walsh Phillip Kenny Walsh (died 11 May 1935), invariably referred to as Phil Walsh or Phil K. Walsh, was an Australian stage actor and producer who made several feature films which still exist, unusually for those made during the "silent era". History W ...

(died 1935), Australian actor and silent film producer

R–Z

Raoul Walsh Raoul Walsh (born Albert Edward Walsh; March 11, 1887December 31, 1980) was an American film director, actor, founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), and the brother of silent screen actor George Walsh. He wa ...

(1887–1980), American film director *

Rhoda Walsh Rhoda Walsh (born 1933) is an American Contract bridge, bridge player from Los Angeles, California. She is a graduate from Loyola Law School and is an attorney. Walsh is a World Bridge Federation (WBF) Master and a North American (ACBL) Grand Li ...

, American bridge player *

Richard Walsh (disambiguation) Richard or Dick Walsh may refer to: *Richard Walsh (actor) (born 1952), British television actor *Richard Walsh (Australian publisher) (born 1941), Australian publisher and one of the original co-editors of 1960s satirical magazine ''Oz'' *Richard W ...

* Robert Walsh (disambiguation) * Rodolfo Walsh (1927–1977), Argentine journalist, writer and political activist, considered the founder of investigative journalism * Roger Walsh, Australian psychiatrist and philosopher * Ruby Walsh, Irish jockey * Sam Walsh (disambiguation) *

Samuel Walsh (artist) Samuel Walsh was born in London, England to Irish parents in 1951. His mother was from Limerick, Ireland and his father from Ennis, Ireland. After his family returned to Ireland to relocate in Limerick, Walsh continued to live and study in L ...

, Irish artist * Samuel P. Walsh, (1902–1961) American educator and politician * Sean Walsh (disambiguation) * Seann Walsh, English actor * Shannon Walsh, Canadian filmmaker * Sheila Walsh (disambiguation) *

Stanisława Walasiewicz Stanisława Walasiewicz (3 April 1911 – 4 December 1980), also known as Stefania Walasiewicz, and Stella Walsh, was a Polish-American track and field athlete, who became a women's Olympic champion in the 100 metres. Born in Poland and raised ...

, aka Stella Walsh, Polish-American track and field athlete * Stephen Walsh (disambiguation), including people named Steve or Steven * Terry Walsh (disambiguation) *

Therese Walsh Dame Therese Maria Walsh (born ) is a chief executive and business leader from New Zealand. Her particular successes include her roles as the chief operating officer for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and head of the organising body for the 2015 Cricke ...

, chief executive and business leader from New Zealand * Tim Walsh (disambiguation) * Thomas Walsh (disambiguation), including people named Tom or Tommy * Tony Walsh (poet), English performance poet * Walt Walsh, baseball player * W. H. Walsh (1913–1986), British philosopher *

William Walsh (disambiguation) William Walsh may refer to: Politics and government * Joe Walsh (Illinois politician) (born 1961), full name William Joseph Walsh, American politician * William Walsh (Maryland politician) (1828–1892), U.S. congressman from Maryland * William ...

* Willie Walsh (disambiguation)

Fictional characters

*Andie Walsh, from ''

Pretty in Pink ''Pretty in Pink'' is a 1986 American teen romantic comedy-drama film about love and social cliques in American high schools in the 1980s. A cult classic, it is commonly identified as a "Brat Pack" film. It was directed by Howard Deutch, produc ...

'' * Connor Walsh, in the television series ''

How to Get Away with Murder ''How to Get Away with Murder'' is an American legal thriller television series that premiered on ABC on September 25, 2014, and concluded on May 14, 2020. The series was created by Peter Nowalk, and produced by Shonda Rhimes and ABC Studios ...

'' *Jack Walsh, the character portrayed by Robert De Niro in the film ''

Midnight Run ''Midnight Run'' is a 1988 American road action comedy film directed by Martin Brest and starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, and Philip Baker Hall play supporting roles. At the 4 ...

'' * Maggie Walsh, from ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' *Mikey Walsh, from ''

The Goonies ''The Goonies'' is a 1985 American adventure comedy film co-produced and directed by Richard Donner from a screenplay by Chris Columbus, based on a story by Steven Spielberg. In the film, kids who live in the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astor ...

'' * Shane Walsh (''The Walking Dead''), from ''The Walking Dead'' *A family of characters in the ''Beverly Hills, 90210'' franchise; see List of ''Beverly Hills, 90210'' characters ** Jim and Cindy Walsh, parents ** Brandon and Brenda Walsh, fraternal twin children *Toni Walsh, from Red Dawn

References

External links

Walsh Surname DNA Project

Official Walsh Irish Clan website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Walsh Surnames of Irish origin Anglicised Irish-language surnames English-language surnames Surnames of British Isles origin Ethonymic surnames