Walsh surname: meaning and origin
Walsh means Welshman or Briton. It is a Welsh or Cambro-Norman family that came to Ireland after 1169 from Kilkenny, Waterford, Mayo and Wexford.
| Irish form | Breathnach |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Welshman or Briton |
| Home region | Kilkenny, Waterford, Mayo and Wexford (Leinster) |
| Origin | Welsh-Norman |
| Variants | Welsh, Walshe, Brannagh |
History of the Walsh name
Breathnach was a nickname for the Welsh and Cambro-Norman settlers who came to Ireland from the twelfth century. Walsh is now one of the commonest names in the country.
More surnames from Leinster
- BrennanÓ Braonáin · descendant of Braonán
- ByrneÓ Broin · descendant of Bran
- O'CarrollÓ Cearbhaill · descendant of Cearbhall
- CullenÓ Cuilinn · descendant of Cuilean
- DoyleÓ Dubhghaill · dark foreigner
- DunneÓ Duinn · descendant of Donn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Walsh mean?
Walsh (Irish: Breathnach) means Welshman or Briton.
What is the Irish spelling of Walsh?
The Irish-language form of Walsh is Breathnach.
Where is the surname Walsh from?
Walsh is a Welsh or Cambro-Norman family that came to Ireland after 1169, associated with Kilkenny, Waterford, Mayo and Wexford in Leinster.
What are other spellings of Walsh?
Related spellings and forms include Welsh, Walshe, Brannagh.