Everything you need to know about the Irish surname Walsh

Irish derivation: Ó Breathnach

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Name meaning: "Breton," "Welshman," or "Foreigner"

Counties associated with the surname Walsh: Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary 

Coat of arms motto: Transfixed, but not dead.

Interesting Facts about the surname Walsh:

  • It's the fourth most common surname in Ireland
  • The French government distinguished an Irish immigrant Walsh family in the 1700s for their efforts in the French army.
  • The name was used in particular to denote the Welshmen who arrived in Ireland in the wake of Strongbow’s Anglo-Norman invasion of 1170.
  • Common variants include Walshe, Welsh, Brannagh, and Breathnach.

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Famous Walshes/Branaghs:

  • Kenneth Branagh (1960-) Northern Irish actor
  • John Walsh (1945-) host of America's Most Wanted'
  • Kate Walsh (1967-) American actress
  • Kimberly Walsh (1981-)British singer
  • Maria Elena Walsh (1930-2011) Argentine singer and writer
  • Marty Walsh (1967-) Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts
  • Norman Walsh (1932-2010) Rhodesian/Zimbabwean air marshal

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Are you a Walsh? Share more about your family's history in the comments!

Here are some interesting facts about the Irish last name Walsh, including its history, family crest, coat of arms, and famous clan members.

Related: Irish Clans