Lynch is an Anglo-Normans surname of English and Irish origin.
In England, the surname is derived from the Norman-French de Lench and Kentish hlinc (meaning 'Hill').
A Lynch family originated at Cranbrook in Kent (where William Lynch co-founded Cranbrook School, Kent, in 1518) and from Tudor times were seated at "The Groves" in the village of Staple near Canterbury in Kent (the house was demolished in 1843 on the death of Lady Lynch).
Their coat of arms consist of Three Lynxes Rampant and most of the family are buried at the Lynch Chancel in Staple parish church.
Notable members of this family include: There are several different unrelated Irish families of which Lynch is the anglicized form, including: