Welch is a surname that comes from the

Old English Old English (, ), or Anglo-Saxon, is the earliest recorded form of the English language, spoken in England and southern and eastern Scotland in the early Middle Ages. It was brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the mid-5th c ...

word , meaning ‘foreign’ (from ''

walhaz ''Walhaz'' is a reconstructed Proto-Germanic word meaning 'foreigner', or more specifically 'Roman', 'Romance-speaker' or '(romanized) Celt', and survives in English as 'Welsh'. The term was used by the ancient Germanic peoples to describe inha ...

''). It was used to describe those of Celtic or Welsh origin. Welch and another common surname, Walsh, share this derivation. ''Welsh'' is the most common form in Scotland, while in Ireland (where the name was carried by the Anglo-Norman invasion), the form of ''Walsh'' predominates.

Notable people with the surname "Welch"

A

* Adam Cleghorn Welch (1864–1943), Scottish clergyman *

Adonijah Welch Adonijah Strong Welch (April 12, 1821March 14, 1889) was a United States Senator from Florida and the first president of Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University). Welch also served as Michigan State Normal School's first princi ...

(1821–1889), American politician * Ailsa A. Welch, English epidemiologist * Alan Welch (1910–1980), Australian rules footballer * Alexander Welch (1873–1962), Canadian politician *

Alexander McMillan Welch Alexander McMillan Welch (1869–1943) was an American architect trained in the Beaux-Arts tradition, who led the New York City firm of Welch, Smith & Provot, in partnership with Bowen B. Smith and George Provot. Life and career Welch, a descen ...

(1869–1943), American architect * Alford Welch, American professor * Amy Welch (born 1985), English journalist * Andrew Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

Ann Welch Ann Courtenay Welch OBE, née Edmonds, (20 May 1917 – 5 December 2002) was a pilot who received the Gold Air Medal from Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) for her contributions to the development of four air sports - gliding, ha ...

(1917–2002), English pilot * Anthony Cleland Welch (born 1945), British military officer * Aristides Welch (1811–1890), American racehorse breeder * Art Welch (born 1944), Jamaican soccer player * Ashbel Welch (1809–1882), American civil engineer * Asher Welch (born 1944), Jamaican soccer player

B

* Benjamin Welch (1818–1863), American politician * Bernard Lewis Welch (1911–1989), British statistician *

Bettina Welch Bettina Catherine Welch (1922 – 5 March 1993) was a New Zealand-born Australia-based actress, primarily in radio and theatre and of the latter in television roles. She was best known for her role in television soap opera ''Number 96'' as Maggie ...

(1922–1993), New Zealand actress *

Bill Welch William Lee Welch Jr. (November 23, 1941 – September 4, 2009) was a U.S. politician and former mayor of State College, Pennsylvania, most recently reelected in 2005. He had been the mayor since he was first elected in 1993, taking office ...

(1941–2009), American politician *

Bo Welch Robert W. "Bo" Welch III (born November 30, 1951) is an American production designer, art director, film and television director and occasional actor. He is best known for his collaborations with directors such as Tim Burton and Barry Sonnenfeld. ...

(born 1951), American film director * Bob Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Bradley Welch (born 1989), Trinidadian-American soccer player *

Brian Welch Brian Philip Welch (born June 19, 1970), also known by his stage name Head, is an American musician. He is one of the guitarists and founding member of the nu metal band Korn and his solo project Love and Death, where he also provides vocals. ...

(born 1970), American musician * Brian Welch (ski jumper) (born 1984), American ski jumper *

Bruce Welch Bruce Welch (born 2 November 1941 as Bruce Cripps) is an English guitarist, songwriter, producer, singer and businessman best known as a founding member of the Shadows. Biography Welch's parents (Stan Cripps and Grace Welch) moved him to 15 B ...

(born 1941), English musician * Bryan Welch, American publisher *

Buster Welch Fay Owen "Buster" Welch (May 23, 1928 – June 12, 2022) was an American cutting horse trainer and inductee into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, NCHA Rider Hall of Fame, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Buster ...

(born 1928), American horse trainer

C

Carolyn Welch Carolyn Mae Welch (September 11, 1922 - May 7, 2020) was an American figure skater. She competed in pairs and won the bronze medals at the 1947 U.S. Figure Skating Championships with partner Charles Brinkman. Results (Pairs with Brinkman) Refe ...

(1929–2020), American figure skater * Charles H. Welch (1880–1967), English theologian *

Chris Welch Chris Welch (born 12 November 1941) is an English music journalist, critic, and author who is best known for his work from the late 1960s as a reporter for ''Melody Maker'', ''Musicians Only'', and ''Kerrang!''. He is the author of over 40 mu ...

(born 1941), English music critic *

Christian Welch Christian Welch (born 19 July 1994) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. He is a NRL premiership winning player of 2020 and played for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin ...

(born 1994), Australian rugby league footballer *

Christopher Evan Welch Christopher Evan Welch (September 28, 1965 – December 2, 2013) was an American TV, film, and stage actor. He is best known as the narrator in Woody Allen's '' Vicky Cristina Barcelona'' and his role as Peter Gregory in the HBO series '' Silic ...

(1965–2013), American actor * Chuck Welch (born 1948), American artist * Claude Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Claxton Welch (born 1947), American football player * Coley Welch (1919–2000), American boxer * Colin Welch (1924–1997), English journalist * Craig Welch (1948–2020), Canadian animator * Cris Welch, American football coach * Cullum Welch (1895–1980), British businessman *

Curt Welch Curtis Benton Welch (February 10, 1862 – August 29, 1896) was a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Toledo Blue Stockings, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Louisville Colonels. Caree ...

(1862–1896), American baseball player

D

* Damien Welch (born 1982), Welsh rugby union footballer * Daniel Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Danny Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Dave Welch, English poker player * Dave Welch (admiral) (born 1961), American admiral * David Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Denis Welch (1945–2014), British racing driver *

Denise Welch Jacqueline Denise Welch (born 22 May 1958) is an English actress, television personality, writer and broadcaster. Her roles include Natalie Barnes in ''Coronation Street'' (1997–2000), Steph Haydock in '' Waterloo Road'' (2006–2010), and ...

(born 1958), British actress *

Denton Welch Maurice Denton Welch (29 March 1915 – 30 December 1948) was a British writer and painter, admired for his vivid prose and precise descriptions. Life Welch was born in Shanghai, China, to Arthur Joseph Welch, a wealthy British rubber merchant, ...

(1915–1948), English writer * Dick Welch (1913–2002), Australian rules footballer * Don Welch (1932–2016), American poet * Dwight S. Welch (1874–1962), American farmer and politician

E

Ed Welch Edward William Welch (born 22 October 1947) is an English songwriter, composer, conductor and arranger. Early life and education Ed Welch had a classical music upbringing. He attended Christ Church Cathedral School from 1957-1961, where he w ...

(born 1947), English composer * Edward Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Edwin Welch (1838–1916), English photographer *

Elisabeth Welch Elisabeth Margaret Welch (February 27, 1904July 15, 2003) was an American singer, actress, and entertainer, whose career spanned seven decades. Her best-known songs were " Stormy Weather", " Love for Sale" and "Far Away in Shanty Town". She was ...

(1904–2003), American singer and actress * Elizabeth M. Welch (born 1970), American lawyer * Elwyn Welch (1925–1961), New Zealand farmer and missionary *

Emanuel Chris Welch Emanuel Christopher Welch (born February 6, 1971), known as Chris Welch, is a lawyer and politician who is the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. A Democrat, he represents the 7th district, which includes all or parts of River Fo ...

(born 1971), American politician * Evelyn Welch (born 1959), English-American scholar

F

Florence Welch Florence Leontine Mary Welch (born 28 August 1986) is an English singer, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Florence and the Machine. The band's debut studio album, ''Lungs'' (2009), topped the UK Albums Chart and wo ...

(born 1986), English singer * Fran Welch (1895–1970), American football player and coach * Frank Welch (disambiguation), multiple people

G

Garry Welch Garry Welch is a former football (soccer) player who had 165 national league appearances for Stop Out and Wellington Diamond United and also represented New Zealand at international level. Welch played three official full internationals for New ...

(born 1955), New Zealand footballer *

Garth Welch Garth de Burgh Welch (born 14 April 1936) is an Australian dancer and choreographer. Early life and training Welch was born in Brisbane, Queensland. He was educated at the Anglican Church Grammar School. His initial dance training took plac ...

(born 1936), Australian dancer * George Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Georgiana Welch (1792–1879), English religious figure * Gibby Welch (1904–1984), American football player *

Gillian Welch Gillian Howard Welch (; born October 2, 1967) is an American singer-songwriter. She performs with her musical partner, guitarist David Rawlings. Their sparse and dark musical style, which combines elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, coun ...

(born 1967), American musician * Graeme Welch (born 1972), English cricketer * Greg Welch (born 1964), Australian triathlete * Gregory Welch, Canadian chemist * Gus Welch (1892–1970), American football player and track athlete

H

* Harold Welch (1912–1995), American businessman * Harry Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Henry Kirke White Welch (1821–1870), American lawyer and politician * Herbert Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

H. Gilbert Welch H. Gilbert Welch is an American academic physician and cancer researcher. He was an internist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont, as well as a professor of medicine at the Dartmouth Institute for Health ...

(born 1955), American physician * Howe Welch, American football player * Huck Welch (1907–1979), Canadian football player

I

* Israel Victor Welch (1822–1869), American politician and lawyer *

Ivo Welch Ivo Welch, a German-born economist and finance academic. He is the J. Fred Weston Professor of Finance at UCLA Anderson School of Management. He completed his BA in computer science in 1985 at Columbia University, and both his MBA and PhD in f ...

(born 1963), American economist

J

Jack Welch (disambiguation) John or Jack Welch may refer to: *John Welch (colonial administrator), 18th-century governor of Anguilla *John Welch (politician) (1805–1891), U.S. representative from Ohio *John Welch (architect) (fl. 1880s), Brooklyn-based church architect *Jack ...

, multiple people * James Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Jane Welch (born 1964), English writer * Jane Meade Welch (1854–1931), American journalist * Janet Welch (1894–1959), English doctor * Janet Martin Welch, American librarian * Jason Welch (born 1989), American wrestler * Jay E. Welch (1925–2008), American musician * Jeffrey B. Welch (born 1954), American business executive *

Jenna Welch Laura Lane Welch Bush (''née'' Welch; born November 4, 1946) is an American teacher, librarian, memoirist and author who was First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Bush previously served as First Lady of Texas from 1995 to 2000. ...

(1919–2019), American bookkeeper * Jim Welch (1938–2017), American football player * John Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

Johnny Welch Johnny Welch (December 2, 1906 – September 2, 1940) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played in the major leagues for nine years. Welch died from tuberculosis at age 33 and is buried at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. C ...

(1906–1940), American baseball player * Jonathon Welch (born 1958), Australian conductor * Joseph N. Welch (1890–1960), American lawyer * Julie Welch (born 1948), British sports journalist *

Justin Welch Justin Steven Welch (born 4 December 1972) is an English musician, best known as the drummer in Elastica, Suede, and later the drummer in Lush. Biography Welch moved to London in his late teens and studied at London's Drumtech drum school. H ...

(born 1972), British musician

K

* Keith Welch (born 1968), English footballer * Kenneth Welch (1925–2006), American politician *

Kevin Welch Kevin Stephen Welch (August 17, 1955) is an American country music artist. He has charted five singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs charts and released eight studio albums. He is also one of the cofounders of the Dead Reckoning Recor ...

(born 1955), American singer * Kristian Welch (born 1998), American football player

L

* Larry D. Welch (born 1934), American Air Force general * Lawrence Welch (born 1945), Australian theorist * Lawrence E. Welch Jr., American judge * Lenny Welch (born 1938), American singer * Leo Welch (1932–2017), American musician * Leslie Welch (1907–1980), British radio personality *

Lew Welch Lewis Barrett Welch Jr. (August 16, 1926 – May 1971?) was an American poet associated with the Beat generation literary movement. Welch published and performed widely during the 1960s. He taught a poetry workshop as part of the University of C ...

(1926–1971), American poet * Lewis Welch (1814–1878), American politician * Lloyd R. Welch (born 1927), American information theorist * Longino Welch, American track and field athlete * Lorne Welch (1916–1998), English engineer * Louie Welch (1918–2008), American politician * Lucas Welch (born 1974), American entrepreneur *

Lucia Foster Welch Lucia Marion Foster Welch (1864–1940) was a suffragette and conservative politician who served as Southampton's first female mayor. Lucia Foster Welch was born Lucia Marion Brown in Liverpool in 1864. Her mother was a close friend of Elizabeth ...

(1864–1940), English politician

M

Mabel Rose Welch Mabel Rose Welch (March 26, 1871 – January 1, 1959) was an American painter of portrait miniatures. Early life Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Welch was the daughter of Dr. Follansbee Goodrich Welch, Jr. and Rosa Phillips (Merrill) Welch. She st ...

(1871–1959), American painter *

Madison Welch Madison Welch (born 27 August 1988) is an English former glamour model and Page 3 girl. She has made several appearances in lads mags such as ''Zoo Weekly''. She made an appearance on an episode of BBC's ''Top Gear'' in 2009 as James May's c ...

(born 1988), British model * Malcolm Welch, English priest * Marion Foster Welch (1851–1935), American house caretaker * Martha G. Welch (born 1944), American physician * Martin Welch (1864–1935), American schooner captain * Mary Welch (1922–1958), American actress * Mary Beaumont Welch (1841-1923), American educator and suffragist * Mary-Scott Welsh (1919–1995), American writer *

Matt Welch Matthew Lee Welch (born July 31, 1968) is an American blogger, journalist, author, and libertarian political pundit. Early life Welch was born on July 31, 1968 in Bellflower, California. He was raised in Long Beach, California. He attended U ...

(born 1968), American blogger *

Matthew Welch Matthew Welch (born 1976) is an American bagpiper and composer. Welch took a bachelor's in music at Simon Fraser University in Canada and then enrolled at Wesleyan University, where he studied under Anthony Braxton and Alvin Lucier. He has releas ...

(born 1976), American composer * Michael Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

Mickey Welch Michael Francis Welch (July 4, 1859 – July 30, 1941), nicknamed "Smiling Mickey", was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He stood tall and weighed . He was the third pitcher to accumulate 300 career victories. Welch was born in Brooklyn, New Y ...

(1859–1941), American baseball player * Micky Welch (born 1957), Barbadian-English footballer * Milt Welch (1924–2019), American baseball player * Monster Mike Welch (born 1979), American guitarist *

Myra Brooks Welch Myra Brooks Welch (October 12, 1877 – August 11, 1959 Los Angeles, California) was a poet that is known for her Christian poem ''The Touch of the Master's Hand'', which was also adapted into a film. Personal life Myra Brooks was born on October ...

(1877–1959), American poet

N

Neville Welch William Neville Welch (30 April 1906 – 3 February 1999) was the first Bishop of Bradwell in Essex from 1968 to 1973. Born on 30 April 1906, he was educated at Dean Close School, Dean Close School, Cheltenham and Keble College, Oxford and stu ...

(1906–1999), English priest * Nick Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

Niles Welch Niles Eugene Welch (July 29, 1888 – November 21, 1976) was an American performer on Broadway, and a leading man in a number of silent and early talking motion pictures from the early 1910s through the 1930s. Early life A native of Hartfor ...

(1888–1976), American performer * Noah Welch (born 1982), American ice hockey player * Norval E. Welch (1835–1864), American colonel *

Nugent Welch Nugent Herrmann Welch (30 July 1881 – 16 July 1970) was a notable New Zealand artist. He was born in Akaroa, New Zealand, in 1881. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British ...

(1881–1970), New Zealand artist

O

Olivia Scott Welch Olivia Scott Welch, also known as Olivia Welch, is an American actress. She portrayed Samantha "Sam" Fraser in Netflix horror film trilogy ''Fear Street''. Life and career Welch was born in the small suburb of Hurst, Texas, United States, betwee ...

(born 1998), American actress

P

* Patrick Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Peggy Welch (born 1955), American nurse and politician *

Peter Welch Peter Francis Welch (born May 2, 1947) is an American lawyer and politician who is a United States senator-elect from Vermont, and the current U.S. representative for since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been a major figure i ...

(born 1947), American politician *

Peter Welch (actor) Peter William Welch (30 March 1922 – 20 November 1984) was a British actor who appeared in television programmes including '' Dixon of Dock Green'', ''Z-Cars'', '' Spy Trap'', '' Softly, Softly'', ''Doctor Who'' and ''Danger Man'' with Pa ...

(1922–1984), British actor * Phil J. Welch (1895–1963), American politician *

Philip Welch Philip David Welch (born 6 January 1954) is a British mathematician known for his contributions to logic and set theory. He is Professor of Pure Mathematics at the School of Mathematics, University of Bristol. He is currently President of the B ...

(born 1954), British mathematician * Priscilla Welch (born 1944), British runner

R

Ralph Welch W. Ralph "Pest" Welch (January 13, 1907 – September 15, 1974) was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Washington from 1942 to 1947, compiling a record of 27–20–3. Welch led his 1943 Wash ...

(1907–1974), American football player *

Raquel Welch Jo Raquel Welch ( Tejada; September 5, 1940) is an American actress. She first won attention for her role in '' Fantastic Voyage'' (1966), after which she won a contract with 20th Century Fox. They lent her contract to the British studio Hamm ...

(born 1940), American actress * Rebecca Welch, English football referee * Reece Welch (born 2003), English footballer *

Richard Welch (disambiguation) Richard Welch (1929–1975) was an American intelligence officer. Richard Welch may also refer to: * Richard Welch (cricketer), English cricketer * Richard J. Welch (1869–1940), American politician * Richard Welch (Medal of Honor), Union Ar ...

, multiple people * Robert Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Rod Welch, American professor * Roger Welch (born 1946), American artist * Ron Welch (born 1960), American military officer * Ronald Welch (1909–1982), British writer * Ronnie Welch (born 1952), English footballer *

Roy Welch Roy Edward Welch (December 19, 1901 – September 27, 1977) was an American professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known as the promoter of the NWA Mid-America territory (also known simply as the Nashville office) alongside Nick Gulas. ...

(1901–1977), American professional wrestler * Rudolph B. Welch (1850–1906), American attorney and educator * Rufus Welch (1800–1856), American impresario

S

Samuel Earl Welch Samuel Earl Welch (January 27, 1892 – November 12, 1969), more commonly written as Earl Welch was a native of Indian Territory, born in 1892, near the present town of Wister, Oklahoma in the present LeFlore County, Oklahoma LeFlore County ...

(1892–1969), American attorney *

Sandy Welch Sandra Elizabeth "Sandy" Welch (born 6 December 1953 in Chester, Cheshire) is a British television writer and screenwriter. Welch is a graduate of the National Film and Television School. As a screenwriter, Welch has developed many serials fo ...

(born 1953), British television writer * Saunders Welch (1711–1784), English businessman *

Savannah Welch Savannah Rose Welch (born August 4, 1984) is an American actress, musician and podcast host. She is best known for her work in the feature films '' Boyhood'', '' The Tree of Life'', the ABC series '' The Good Doctor'', and the History Channel dr ...

(born 1984), American actress *

Scott Welch Scott Roy Welch (born 21 April 1968) is a retired British professional boxer. As an amateur, Welch became one of the ABA champions at heavyweight. He travelled the world as a professional boxer, winning the Southern Area belt, the British, Com ...

(born 1968), British boxer *

Sean Welch Sean Welch (born 12 April 1965, Enfield, England) was the bassist for The Beautiful South and previously roadie for The Housemartins The Housemartins were an English indie rock group formed in Hull who were active in the 1980s and chart ...

(born 1965), British musician *

Sharon D. Welch Sharon D. Welch (born November 11, 1952) is an academic scholar, social ethicist and author of six books on ethics, theology, politics, religion and spirituality. After having served as Provost and Professor of Religion for ten years, she is cur ...

(born 1952), American academic * Sian Welch (born 1954), American triathlete *

Stanton Welch Stanton De Burgh Welch (born 1969) is an Australian dancer and choreographer. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Houston Ballet. Early life Welch was born in Melbourne to Marilyn Jones and Garth Welch, two prominent Australia ...

(born 1969), Australian dancer * Stephan Welch (born 1950), English priest * Stephen Welch (born 1972), American wheelchair tennis player * Stephen Welch (Medal of Honor) (1824–1906), American soldier * Steven Welch, American musician *

Stuart Welch Stuart Thomas Welch (born 15 November 1977) is an Australian former representative rower who won medals at his two Olympic games appearances. Club and state rowing Born in Sydney, Welch was educated at Sydney Grammar School where he took up row ...

(born 1977), Australian rower * Stuart Cary Welch (1928–2008), American scholar * Suey Welch (1898/1899–1974), American boxing manager * Susan Welch, American political scientist *

Suzy Welch Suzy Welch (born 1959) is an American author, television commentator, business journalist, and public speaker. Her 2009 book, ''10-10-10: A Life Transforming Idea'', was a ''New York Times'' bestseller. She is also the co-author, with her late hu ...

(born 1959), American magazine editor

T

Tahnee Welch Latanne Rene "Tahnee" Welch (born December 26, 1961) is an American model and actress and is the daughter of the late actress Raquel Welch. Biography Welch was born on December 26, 1961, in San Diego, California, the daughter of actress Raquel ...

(born 1961), American actress * Tara Welch, American professor * Taylor Welch (born 1989), American rugby league footballer * Ted Welch (1892–1943), American baseball player * Terry Welch (1939–1988), American computer scientist * Thaddeus Welch (1844–1919), American painter * Thomas Welch (disambiguation), multiple people *

Trevor Welch Trevor Welch is an Irish sports commentator who worked for TV3 from 1998 until 2012. He continues to covers TV3's live coverage of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League and up to April 2012 he was the regular presenter of the sp ...

, Irish sports commentator * Tub Welch (1866–1901), American baseball player

V

* Vernon S. Welch (1906–1980), American lawyer and politician * Vince Welch (born 1964), American media personality * Vivian Welch, Canadian epidemiologist

W

* Werburg Welch (1894–1990), English nun and artist * Will Welch (born 1990), Australian rugby union footballer * William Welch (disambiguation), multiple people * Wilton Welch (1884–??), Australian actor and filmmaker * Winfield Welch (1899–1980), American baseball player * Winona Hazel Welch (1896–1990), American bryologist * W. Wilbert Welch (1918–2015), American pastor

Fictional characters

Lou Welch The list of ''Babylon 5'' characters contains characters from the entire ''Babylon 5'' universe. The Babylon station was conceived as a political and cultural meeting place. As such, one of the show's many themes is the cultural and social intera ...

, fictional character from ''Babylon 5''

References

{{surname, Welch English-language surnames Surnames of Irish origin Ethonymic surnames

Notable people with the surname "Welch"

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Fictional characters

See also

References