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Fitzgerald History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Sources

Fitzgerald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Etymology of Fitzgerald

What does the name Fitzgerald mean?

The Strongbownians added their own naming traditions to the eastern region of Ireland to which they arrived. The impact of this new tradition was not extremely disruptive to the pre-existing Irish tradition because the two had many similarities. Both cultures made significant use of hereditary surnames. And like the Irish, the Strongbownians often used prefixes to build patronymic surnames, which are names based on the given name of the initial bearer's father or another older relative. Strongbow's followers often created names that were built with the prefix Fitz-, which was derived from the French word fils, and ultimately from the Latin filius, both of which mean son. They also used diminutive suffixes such as "-ot," "-et," "-un," "-in," or "-el," and occasionally even two suffixes combined to form a double diminutive such as "-el-in," "-el-ot," "-in-ot," and "-et-in," to build patronymic names. The surname Fitzgerald is derived from the Norman personal name Gerald, which consists of the Germanic elements "geri" or "gari," which mean "spear," and "wald," which means "rule." The name features the distinctive Irish patronymic prefix fitz, which means son of in Anglo-French. This is derived from the Old French word "fils," which ultimately comes from the Latin word "filius." The Gaelic form of the surname Fitzgerald is "Mac Gerailt."

Early Origins of the Fitzgerald family

The surname Fitzgerald was first found in Munster, where they were granted lands by the Earl of Pembroke during his invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Saint and Bishop Gerald (d. 731), of Magh Eo, now Mayo, "was, according to the life published by the Bollandists, and attributed by Colgan to Augustin Magraidin (1405), a monk from the neighbourhood of Winchester, who, with some companions, migrated to Ireland, in order to lead a solitary life. Another account connects his leaving England with the defeat of St. Colman, bishop of Lindisfarne, at the conference at Whitby on the Easter question. The party landed in Connaught and made their way northward to Sligo. Gerald built a church in Mayo which he called Cill n-ailither, or the Church of the Pilgrims." 1

Otho Geraldino, one of the chief commanders of Williams the Conqueror landed in England at the time of the Conquest and was created a Baron for his efforts. As Norman constable of Pembroke, South Wales, he went into Ireland with Strongbow in the Anglo-Norman invasion. Two generations later, Maurice was the first to use the name Fitzgerald. He was granted lands in Munster in the south of Ireland. (O'Hart)

Maurice Fitzgerald (d. 1176), was the Welsh conqueror of Ireland, "the son Nesta, daughter of Rhys the Great, king of South Wales. He was thus half-brother to Robert Fitzstephen and Meiler Fitzhenry, and brother of David II, Bishop of St. David's. His father Gerald, according to later genealogists, was grandson of Walter Fitzother, who figures in 'Domesday' as a tenant at Windsor and elsewhere, and lord of manors in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, and Buckinghamshire." 1

Early History of the Fitzgerald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fitzgerald research. Another 332 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1316, 1333, 1398, 1411, 1487, 1513, 1528, 1534, 1537, 1589, 1612, 1634, 1660, 1661, 1664, 1716, 1809 and 1883 are included under the topic Early Fitzgerald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fitzgerald Spelling Variations

Church officials and medieval scribes spelled names as they sounded; therefore, single person, could have his name spelt many different ways during their lifetime. While investigating the origins of the name Fitzgerald, many spelling variations were encountered, including: Fitzgerald, Geraldines, Desmond, Gerald, Geralds and others.

Early Notables of the Fitzgerald family

Gerald Fitzgerald, 4th Earl of Desmond (d. 1398), Justiciar of Ireland, the son of Maurice Fitzthomas, the first earl of Desmond
Gerald Fitzgerald, 8th Earl of Kildare (d. 1513), was son of Thomas Fitzgerald, seventh earl of Kildare
Gerald Fitzgerald (1487-1534), 9th Earl of Kildare, was impeached of high treason and died for his causes at the Tower of London 1534
Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, called the Fair Geraldine (1528?-1589),was the youngest daughter of Gerald Fitzgerald, 9th Earl of Kildare
George FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare (1612-1660), was known as the "Fairy Earl", for no other reason than that his extant portrait was painted on a small scale
Wentworth FitzGerald, 17th Earl of Kildare PC (1634-1664), styled Lord Offaly until 1660, was an Irish politician who sat in the House of Commons of England in 1660 and from 1661

Fitzgerald World Ranking

the United States, the name Fitzgerald is the 417^th most popular surname with an estimated 67,149 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Fitzgerald is ranked the 658^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,896 people with that name. 3 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Fitzgerald is the 73^rd popular surname with an estimated 366 people with that name. 4 Australia ranks Fitzgerald as 156^th with 19,209 people. 5 New Zealand ranks Fitzgerald as 257^th with 2,363 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Fitzgerald as 523^rd with 12,596 people. 7

Fitzgerald migration to the United States +

Ireland went through one of the most devastating periods in its history with the arrival of the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. Many also lost their lives from typhus, fever and dysentery. And poverty was the general rule as tenant farmers were often evicted because they could not pay the high rents. Emigration to North America gave hundreds of families a chance at a life where work, freedom, and land ownership were all possible. For those who made the long journey, it meant hope and survival. The Irish emigration to British North America and the United States opened up the gates of industry, commerce, education and the arts. Early immigration and passenger lists have shown many Irish people bearing the name Fitzgerald:

Fitzgerald Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Redmond Fitzgerald, who landed in Virginia in 1635
Cate Fitzgerald, who landed in Maryland in 1678 9
Luke FitzGerald, who arrived in Maryland in 1678 9
Moriss FitzGerald, who arrived in Maryland in 1678 9
Thomas FitzGerald, who landed in Maryland in 1678 9

Fitzgerald Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Thomas Fitzgerald, who arrived in New England in 1717 9
Patrick Fitzgerald, who landed in New England in 1738 9
Anne Fitzgerald, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1743 9
Eliza Fitzgerald, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1744 9
William Fitzgerald, who arrived in America in 1760 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fitzgerald Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Morris Fitzgerald, who landed in New York, NY in 1811 9
John G Fitzgerald, aged 39, who landed in Georgia in 1812 9
Robert Fitzgerald, aged 31, who landed in Louisiana in 1812 9
Matthew Fitzgerald, who landed in New York, NY in 1815 9
Mary Fitzgerald, who arrived in New York, NY in 1815 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fitzgerald Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Margarett Fitzgerald, who landed in Colorado in 1907 9
Edward James Fitzgerald, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1926 9

Fitzgerald migration to Canada +

Fitzgerald Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Frederick Fitzgerald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Richard Fitzgerald, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
Richard Fitzgerald, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
James Fitzgerald, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
James Fitzgerald, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fitzgerald Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mary Fitzgerald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1811
Bridget Fitzgerald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1816
Mary Fitzgerald, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1820
John Fitzgerald, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1821
James Fitzgerald, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1825
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fitzgerald migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Second Fleet

Mr. Peter Fitzgerald, (Carroll), (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Surrey, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 8
Mr. Richard Fitzgerald, (1772 - 1840), aged 18, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9

Third Fleet

Miss Jane Fitzgerald, (b. 1757), aged 30, Irish settler convicted in Bristol, England on 4th April 1786, sentenced for 7 years for felony, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788 9
Miss Elizabeth Fitzgerald, (b. 1760), aged 27, Irish settler convicted in London on 13th December 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 9
Mr. Henry Fitzgerald, (1754 - 1788),Canadian seaman from Nova Scotia on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788, he died in 1788 at sea

Following the Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Fitzgerald Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Miss Elizabeth Fitzgerald, (b. 1768), aged 25, Irish convict who was convicted in Cavan, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Boddingtons" on 15th February 1793, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1836 10

Fitzgerald Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss. Catherine Fitzgerald, Irish convict who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Miss. Elenor Fitzgerald, Irish convict who was convicted in Waterford, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Mr. Thomas Fitzgerald, British convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Miss Mary Fitzgerald, (b. 1762), aged 51, Irish convict who was convicted in Limerick, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Catherine" on 8th December 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Miss Mary Fitzgerald, Irish country servant who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" on 21st March 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia then transported on to Tasmania per "Elizabeth Henrietta" 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fitzgerald migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Fitzgerald Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

J. P. Fitzgerald, aged 23, a doctor, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Oriental" in 1840
Dr. J.P. Fitzgerald, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Oriental" arriving in Port Nicholson, Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1840 15
M.A. Fitzgerald, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Oriental
Thomas Fitzgerald, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Geo Fife
Mr. Fitzgerald, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Earl of Lonsdale" arriving in Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand on 11th April 1841 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Fitzgerald (post 1700) +

Ella Fitzgerald (1918-1996), American jazz singer, considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th Century and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Thomas R. Fitzgerald (1941-2015), American jurist, Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court (2008-2010), Member of the Supreme Court of Illinois (2000-2008)
Brigadier-General Shepler Ward FitzGerald (1884-1953), American Commandant of Army Air Force Radio School Number 4 (1943-1946) 17
Frances FitzGerald (b. 1940), American journalist and author awarded the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction
John Francis Fitzgerald (1863-1950), Irish-American politician and grandfather of President John F. Kennedy
Michael G. Fitzgerald (1950-2006), American film historian and author
James F. Fitzgerald (b. 1926), American businessman and philanthropist
C. B. Fitzgerald, American Republican politician, Mayor of Seattle, Washington, 1919-20; Appointed 1919; Washington Republican State Chair, 1925 18
Anthony J. Fitzgerald, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for Circuit Judge in Michigan 3rd Circuit, 1935 19
... (Another 182 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Fitzgerald family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. H. Fitzgerald, British Seaman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 19
Mrs. S Fitzgerald (d. 1979), American passenger from Los Angeles, California, USA, who flew aboard American Airlines Flight 191 and died in the crash 20
Mr. Augustine Francis Fitzgerald (1914-1941), Australian Blacksmith 4th Class from Mornington, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 21
Mr. Lloyd Gerald Fitzgerald (1916-1941), Australian Acting Supply Petty Officer from Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 22
Mr. Joseph V Fitzgerald (b. 1923), English Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Collyhurst, Manchester, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 22
... (Another 6 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Fitzgerald Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Crom aboo
Motto Translation: Crom for ever.

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/boddingtons
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
Convict Records of Australia (Retreived 2nd January 2021, retreived from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/catherine
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, February 29) Shepler FitzGerald. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/FitzGerald/Shepler_Ward/USA.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 28) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Flight 191's Victims - latimes. (Retrieved 2014, April 16) . Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-04/news/mn-4349_1_fort-lauderdale-area
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm