Lynch (surname)
Lynch is a surname of Irish origin.
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[edit] Gaelic-Irish families
In Gaelic, its original forms included
- Ó Loingsigh – now Lynch, Lynchy Lynskey, Lindsey.
- Mac Loingsigh – Clynch, Lynch, Mac Glinchy, MacClintock, McClinton
- Mac Loingseacháin – Lynchseanaun, Lynch
There were at least three unrelated families of this name in Gaelic Ireland, located in what is now County Clare, Cork, Louth and south-east Ulster. All are unrelated.
[edit] Lynch of Galway
The Lynch family of Galway were one of the Tribes of Galway, and of Anglo-Irish origin. The original form of the surname, de Linch, indicated a now unknown place of origin, possibly in England.
[edit] Coat of arms
Traditionally, English heraldry limited the use of heraldic symbols and devices to a single individual, whereas in Ireland the Coat of arms was used by the whole extended 'family', although most Irish did not really see the need for elaborate heraldry so it was not actively displayed. Most Irish coats of arms date back to well before English times. Originally each 'clan' would have their colours (for the Lynch's this was blue (azure) and yellow/gold), then it became 'fashionable' to adopt a motif that was significant to the clan.
Arms recorded among the heraldic offices in Dublin and London include that of Lynch of Galway:
- Blazon: Azure a chevron between three trefoils slipt or.
- Crest: A lynx passant azure collared or.
- Motto: Semper Fidelis which is a Latin phrase meaning "always faithful".
