Surname Walsch - Meaning and Origin

Walsch: What does the surname Walsch mean?

The surname Walsch is of historical German origin. It is derived from the old German term "Walach," which was used to refer to an individual who is a foreigner or stranger, particularly used by medieval Germans to refer to Gaelic Vikings, Welsh/Celtic or Italian people. It is also considered to be a derivation of the Old German personal name Walah, meaning 'stranger'. Over time, this term evolved into a surname used by families, passed down through generations. Like many surnames, Walsch may have geographical, occupational, or ancestral significance. The spelling variations can include Walch, Walache, Walsche, and Walsh, with the latter being more common in English-speaking countries. Though it originated in Germany, this surname can now be found in a variety of countries worldwide. However, its meaning remains consistent, indicative of roots in foreignness or diversity.

Walsch: Where does the name Walsch come from?

The last name Walsch is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries today. It is also found in many areas around the world, especially throughout the United States and Canada. The surname likely derived from the Middle High German word “walsch,” meaning “foreigner” or “stranger.”

Robert Walsch, a 19th century American politician, is referred to as one of the earliest known holders of the name. It is also popular among Dutch immigrants who first settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Today the surname is at its most prevalent in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, and Denmark.

In the United States, the surname is most common in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but is found frequently in states such as California, New York, Texas, and Illinois. It is also relatively common in Canada, particularly in Ontario and the maritime provinces. In the UK, it is much less common and largely limited to larger metropolitan areas.

Overall, the last name Walsch is scattered across much of the world, having spread through different waves of German-speaking immigrants. Today, it is most commonly found across German-speaking countries and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Canada, and other areas of the United States.

Variations of the surname Walsch

The surname Walsch is a German patronymic surname derived from either the given name Waller or the short form of Walther. This surname is also spelled as Wälsch, Waelsch, Walcher, Walzer, Wahl, Wallschläger, Waller, Wallrepe, Wallisch, Walss, and Walters.

Wälsch, which is the German spelling, is the most common variant of this surname, while Waelsch is less common. This variant of the name is also found in some parts of Switzerland and South Tyrol. Walcher is an alternate form of the name, and is found in Austria. This variant is thought to originate from the Middle High German word “walchen”, which means “to move something through water”. Walzer is another version of the name, which is derived from the Middle High German Walther. The variants Wahl and Wallschläger are from Germanic areas and are derived from the words “wallen” (to roll or to move something) and “schläger” (a person who strikes something). Waller is a variant of the surname found in Austria and is derived from the Old German word “walheri”, meaning “army”. Wallrepe is another variant found in Switzerland and is derived from the Middle High German word “waler”, which means archer. Wallisch is a variant found in Hungary and is derived from the words “wall” and “isch”, referring to someone from or belonging to the walls. Walss is an alternate form derived from the word “wal” which means “forest” in Old High German, while Walters is an Anglicized form taken from the Middle English word “walt”, meaning “power”.

Famous people with the name Walsch

• Neale Donald Walsch: a famous American author of the New York Times bestseller Conversations with God series.
• Maureen E. Walsch: an American civil rights leader who founded United Negro College Fund.
• Richard Walsch: an American politician from Michigan, who served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party from 2000 to 2008.
• Barbara Walsch: an American attorney and civil rights activist.
• Margaret Ann Walsch: an American politician from Wisconsin, who served as the first female Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
• Gertrud Walsch: an American actress who appeared in over a dozen films.
• Cyril Mason Walsch: an American Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy who served in World War II.
• Edwin Miller Walsch: an American lawyer from Wisconsin who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
• Pierre S. Walsch: a NASA scientist and spaceflight pioneer.
• Louis Walsch Jr.: an American jazz musician and composer.

Other surnames

WalscheidWälscherWalschmidt