Fitzgerald
The Fitzgerald surname has a rich history intertwined with Ireland's storied past, tracing back to the Norman invasion in the 12th century. It originates from the Norman personal name Gerald, combining "geri" or "gari" (spear) and "wald" (rule), with the prefix "fitz" from Latin "filius," meaning "son of." Thus, Fitzgerald signifies "the son of Gerald."
The earliest known bearer of the name was Maurice Fitzgerald (c.1105-1176), a Norman knight instrumental in the Norman Invasion of Ireland. The Fitzgeralds became prominent in Irish society through his descendants. Initially centered in the province of Munster, particularly in County Limerick and County Kerry, the family held vast estates.
The Fitzgeralds were pivotal in various historical events, including the Norman Invasion of Ireland and subsequent rebellions against English rule. Notable members include Garret Fitzgerald, a former Taoiseach of Ireland, and Lord Edward Fitzgerald, an Irish revolutionary. F. Scott Fitzgerald, although an American author, is a notable figure of Irish descent bearing the surname.
The family's coat of arms is distinguished, featuring a red saltire on a white field, often accompanied by heraldic elements like a knight’s helmet.
Over centuries, the Fitzgerald name has spread globally due to emigration, especially to English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, driven by socio-economic factors including the Great Famine and political unrest in Ireland. Today, the Fitzgerald surname is prevalent in Ireland and has a significant presence in various countries around the world, reflecting the family's far-reaching diaspora.