WELCH
The Welch Surname
The Welch surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is classified as a topographical surname. It is derived from the Old English word "welisc," which means foreigner or stranger.
History
The earliest recorded instances of the Welch surname date back to the Middle Ages in England. The surname was used to describe individuals who were foreign-born or from a distant land, making it a common name in communities where trade and travel were prevalent.
Distribution
The Welch surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It is also prevalent in countries with historical ties to Britain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
- Jack Welch: Former Chairman and CEO of General Electric
- Raquel Welch: American actress and singer
- Florence Welch: Lead singer of the band Florence and the Machine
Variants
Variants of the Welch surname include Walsh, Wallace, and Welsh.
Legacy
The Welsh surname has left a lasting impact on various fields, including literature, entertainment, and business. Many individuals bearing this surname have achieved notable success in their respective fields, contributing to the rich tapestry of British history and culture.
There are approximately 17,349 people named Welch in the UK. That makes it the 509th most common surname in Britain. Around 266 in a million people in Britain are named Welch.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.