text: Another early Walsh pedigree, this time in Rathronan in Tipperary, began with William Walensis in the 13th century. And the Walshes were also established in the 14th century at Ballygunner in county Waterford.
  Generally the Walsh name arose independently in many different places, one reason for its profusion as a surname today. Outside of Dublin, the name is particularly prevalent in Mayo,
  England. While the Walsh name is generally considered to be Irish, there were some English antecedents. The family name le Waleys (meaning from Wales and an early form of Walsh) was to be found in west country and other records by the 13th century. Henry le Waleys was Lord Mayor of London in 1273. The Walshes of Cathanger in Somerset and the Walshes of Little Sodbury in Gloucestershire were prominent local gentry in their areas in the 16th century.