Summary

The surname Fitzgerald is of Anglo-Norman origin and was brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century. It is derived from the Old French name 'Fitz', meaning 'son of', and 'Gerald', which was a popular personal name at the time. The Fitzgeralds played a significant role in Irish history, holding lands and titles of nobility. Today, the surname is associated with the Irish aristocracy and remains prominent in Ireland and other English-speaking countries.
There are
75356
Fitzgeralds in the USA
Fitzgerald is the
430th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Fitzgerald

F.Scott

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, best known for his classic novel 'The Great Gatsby.'

EllaFitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the 'First Lady of Song' and 'Queen of Jazz.' She had a highly successful career spanning six decades.

GeraldineFitzgerald

Geraldine Fitzgerald was an Irish-American actress known for her performances in films like 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Dark Victory.'

ArthurFitzwilliam

Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait was an English-born American artist known for his paintings of landscapes, wildlife, and hunting scenes.

GarretFitzGerald

Garret FitzGerald was an Irish politician who served as the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland in the 1980s. He played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

ZeldaFitzgerald

Zelda Fitzgerald was an American novelist, socialite, and painter, and the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. She was known for her tumultuous relationship with her husband and her own creative pursuits.

GeraldFitzgerald,

Gerald Fitzgerald, 15th Earl of Kildare, also known as 'Silken Thomas,' was a leading figure in the 16th-century Irish rebellions against English rule.

PatFitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald is an American football coach and former player. He has been the head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats football team since 2006.

EdmundFitzAlan-Howard,

Edmund FitzAlan-Howard, 1st Viscount FitzAlan of Derwent, was a British politician and member of the House of Lords. He held various high-ranking positions in the government.

BernardFitzPatrick

Bernard FitzPatrick was an Irish politician and member of the Irish Senate. He was known for his advocacy for the rights of Irish speakers and his work on environmental issues.

Fitzgerald Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Fitzgerald' is of Gaelic origin and means 'son of Gerald,' indicating a patronymic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac Gearailt,' which was anglicized to 'FitzGerald.' The FitzGeralds were a powerful Anglo-Norman family that arrived in Ireland in the 12th century.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Fitzgerald' is primarily associated with Ireland and has a strong presence in Irish communities both within Ireland and in countries with significant Irish diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the name 'Fitzgerald' include 'FitzPatrick,' 'Fitzsimmons,' 'Fitzmaurice,' and 'Fitzwilliam,' among others.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Fitzgerald' has been carried by Irish immigrants who emigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of Irish history marked by political and economic upheaval, such as the Great Famine and the Irish War of Independence.