De Línse
de LÍNSE—XI—de Lench, Lenche, Lynch; Norman 'de Lench,' i.e., at the linch, or hill, from residence; the name of a family who soon after the Anglo-Norman invasion settled at Knock in Co. Meath. A branch of this family, about the beginning of the 14th century, removed to Galway where they became one of the leading 'tribes' and occupied a distinguished position down to the end of the Jacobite wars when several of the name were attainted and their property confiscated. There are, however, several respectable families of Lynches still in Connacht. This surname is to be distinguished from the Irish Ó Loingsigh, which see.
Alphabetical Index to Irish Surnames