The Fitzgerald Family History

What Does the Fitzgerald Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Fitzgerald has its roots in both Welsh and Irish heritage, tracing back to the French Normans, where it was derived from the phrase ‘fils de Gerald,’ translating to ‘son of Gerald.’ The name Gerald itself signifies 'to rule with a spear. ' In Gaelic, the equivalent form is ‘MacGerailt.’ Variations of the surname Fitzgerald include Fitz-Gerald, MacGearailt, Geraldines, Desmond, and Geralds. The earliest records of the Fitzgeralds in Ireland date back to the 12th century, specifically in the province of Munster. The surname is prevalent throughout numerous regions in Ireland, as well as across Wales and England. A significant concentration of Fitzgerald families can be found in Lancashire and London. In Scotland, the name appears in areas such as Angus, Perthshire, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, and Renfrewshire. Within the United States, the Fitzgerald surname is most frequently encountered in states including New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. Notable individuals bearing the Fitzgerald name include Barry Fitzgerald, a celebrated Irish actor known for his work in theater, television, and film; Gerald Fitzgerald, the 15th Earl of Desmond, who was a prominent figure in the 16th-century Irish Rebellion; John Fitzgerald, a professional baseball player; Michael G. Fitzgerald, a film historian; Scott Fitzgerald, an English singer; Ella Fitzgerald, an iconic jazz vocalist; Edward Fitzgerald, an Olympic ice hockey player from the 1920 Games; F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned novelist and short story writer; Brian Fitzgerald, also a professional baseball athlete; and Dai Fitzgerald, a champion rugby player from Wales.