Fitzgerald Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Fitzgerald come from? What does the surname Fitzgerald mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Fitzgerald and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Fitz, Jarrell
Surname Fitzgerald Origin: What does the last name Fitzgerald mean?
The surname Fitzgerald has its origins in England, with the earliest known record dating back to the early 11th century. The name is closely associated with Ireland from the 11th to the 16th century, with a notable increase in records during this time. From the 17th century onwards, the surname began to spread globally, with a significant rise in records in the United States. Today, the Fitzgerald surname can be found in various countries, with the United States leading in terms of prevalence.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Fitzgerald surname in the United States since the 18th century, surpassing Ireland in terms of the volume of records. The surname has continued to spread across the globe, with significant populations in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries. This historical surname has a rich legacy and continues to be prominent in various regions, reflecting its global reach and enduring significance.
Fitzgerald Last Name History: Where did the last name Fitzgerald come from?
Origin of Fitzgerald Surname: Where does the last name Fitzgerald originate from?
YourRoots data indicates that the earliest known record of the surname Fitzgerald can be traced back to England in the early 11th century. Please remember that this information pertains specifically to the exact “Fitzgerald” spelling in the YourRoots database and does not account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Fitzgerald: What does the Fitzgerald surname history look like in the early days?
The “Fitzgerald” surname seems to be closely associated with Ireland from the 11th century to the 16th century, according to YourRoots data. The volume of records increased notably in Ireland during these centuries. From the 17th century onward, we begin to see a significant rise in the number of Fitzgerald records in the United States, indicating the start of its global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Fitzgerald surname today?
The 18th and 19th centuries saw a significant increase in the volume of Fitzgerald records in the United States, surpassing Ireland, the long-standing leader. This trend continued well into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the “Fitzgerald” surname can be found in numerous countries, with the United States leading the way. Other countries where the Fitzgerald surname is prevalent include, but are not limited to, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and Belgium.
Explore Fitzgerald last name heritage and Fitzgerald surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Fitzgerald Surame?
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald (Nov 24, 1913 - July 17, 2005) was an Irish actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood films like "Dark Victory," "Wuthering Heights," and "Poltergeist II: The Other Side." She received multiple award nominations and was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lord Henry FitzGerald
Lord Henry FitzGerald PC (Ire) (30 Jul 1761 - 9 Jul 1829) was a British Army officer, politician, and member of the Privy Council of Ireland. He served in Parliament and as a Postmaster General. He married Charlotte Boyle Walsingham, with whom he had 13 children.
John FitzGerald, Baron FitzGerald
John David FitzGerald, Baron FitzGerald (May 1, 1816 - October 16, 1889) was an Irish judge and Liberal politician. He served as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and made significant legal contributions, including the landmark case Foakes v Beer. His descendants include former Conservative politician Amber Rudd.
James FitzThomas FitzGerald
James FitzThomas FitzGerald (died 1608) was a pretender to the Earldom of Desmond, leading a rebellion after the last earl's death. Despite his claim as heir, his lineage faced challenges, leading to his eventual capture and conviction for treason in 1601.
Thomas Henry Fitzgerald
Thomas Henry Fitzgerald (Dec 1, 1824 - Nov 10, 1888) was an Irish pioneer in sugar cane farming in Queensland, Australia. He also had a successful career in politics, business, and law. Fitzgerald founded the town of Innisfail and made significant contributions to the development of Queensland.
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