Walsh (surname)

The Walsh crest, usually shown with a banner reading the Walsh motto, and topped with a Swan that has been pierced by an arrow.
A rendering of the Walsh crest displaying the Walsh motto, swan, and a variation of the name.

Walsh is a common Irish surname, meaning "Briton" or "foreigner", literally "Welshman", taken to Ireland by British (Welsh, Cornish and Cumbrian) soldiers during and after the Norman invasion of Ireland. It is most common in County Mayo and County Kilkenny. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland, and the 265th most common in the United States. There are variants including "Walshe", "Welsh", "Brannagh", and "Breathnach". Walsh is uncommon as a given name. The name is often pronounced "Welsh" in the south and west of the country.[1]

The Walsh crest is a white escutcheon shield with a red chevron, and three arrow heads, two above and one below the chevron. The crest is usually shown with a banner reading, 'Transfixus sed non mortuus', which is Latin for, 'Pierced but not dead'; and a swan that has been pierced by an arrow. The crest is very symbolic of a readiness to fight, and physical strength or fortitude. The crest is also sometimes topped by the Gaelic variations of the name.

People with the surname

People with the surname include:[2]

A–E

F–J

K–P

R–Z

Fictional characters

References

  1. ↑ http://www.irishidentity.com/lists/w.htm
  2. ↑ "Walsh coat of arms, family crest and Walsh family history". irishsurnames.com. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
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