Fitzgerald Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Fitzgerald surname: its meaning, its roots in Ireland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Fitzgerald name
Fitzgerald is a Norman patronymic meaning "son of Gerald", from Anglo-Norman fitz, "son". The family descends from Maurice FitzGerald, who arrived in Ireland in 1169. His descendants became the Earls of Kildare and Desmond, among the most powerful Anglo-Norman houses. The name is still common in Munster.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Fitzgerald name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Fitzgerald name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Fitzgerald family history
The researched Fitzgerald pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Fitzgerald coat of arms.
Fitzgerald name FAQ
What does the Fitzgerald name mean?
Son of Gerald. Common variants include FitzGerald, Fitzgerrel, Gerald.
Where does the Fitzgerald surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Fitzgerald coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Fitzgerald crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Fitzgerald coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).