Origine et histoire

Of dual origin in Ireland. In Connacht, it is an anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic 'O Loingsigh', meaning 'descendant of Loingseach', where 'loingseach' means 'mariner' or 'one of the fleet'. In Leinster and Munster, however, Lynch is descended from the Anglo-Norman family 'de Lench' or 'de Linche', one of the fourteen Tribes of Galway who became thoroughly gaelicised over the centuries. The Galway Lynch family was so powerful that 'Lynch's Law' — summary justice administered outside the courts — is said to derive from a Lynch mayor of Galway who executed his own son for murder in 1493.