Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Fitzgerald

      Origin

      Irish

      Meaning

      Son of Gerald

      Variations

      Geraldene, Geraldine, Geraldo
      The name Fitzgerald finds its origins in the Irish language and is derived from the combination of two elements: 'fitz,' meaning 'son of,' and 'Gerald,' a given name. This nomenclature convention was commonly used in medieval times to identify a person's lineage. The use of patronymic names, such as Fitzgerald, allowed individuals to trace their ancestry back to a specific male ancestor. In this case, Fitzgerald signifies that the individual is the 'son of Gerald.'

      Throughout history, the name Fitzgerald has featured prominently in various contexts. The prominent Geraldine dynasty, whose members adopted the name Fitzgerald, played a significant role in Irish history during the Middle Ages. This noble family held power and authority in Ireland as Earls, Dukes, and Knights for several centuries. The Fitzgerald name bears associations with chivalry, leadership, and political influence.

      In modern times, the name Fitzgerald continues to be used worldwide, primarily as a name. It has become common across English-speaking countries, particularly in areas with a historical Irish influence. Many individuals carry the Fitzgerald name and proudly embrace their Irish ancestry. The name, with its rich historical background, exemplifies a lineage of strength and prominence.

      Based on our records...

      Fitzgerald

      Fitzgerald

      This is the most common surname associated with Fitzgerald.
      Clarissa

      Clarissa

      This is the most common name of those married to a Fitzgerald.
      Fitzgerald

      Fitzgerald

      This is the most common name for a child of a Fitzgerald.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1897 is when there were the most people born with the first name Fitzgerald.

      Explore the origins of another name.