Fitzgerald

Pronunciation: [ f-ihtsj-EHR-uhld ]

Boy Name #2,235 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The name of kings, presidents, and literary giants

Irish American English

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Meaning & Origin

"son of Gerald"

Origin: Anglo-Norman/Irish

Language: English

"son of the spear-ruler (Gerald = Geirald)"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

The Story of Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is a distinguished Irish-Norman surname meaning 'son of Gerald,' with 'Fitz-' coming from the Anglo-Norman 'fils' (son of), and 'Gerald' from Germanic 'Geirald' meaning 'spear-ruler' (from 'ger,' spear, and 'wald,' rule). The Fitzgerald dynasty was one of the most powerful Norman families in Ireland, arriving with the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. The Fitzgeralds (also known as the Geraldines) dominated Irish politics for centuries, with branches becoming the Earls of Kildare and Desmond.

Fitzgerald gained renewed appeal as a given name in the mid-20th century, partly due to President John F. Kennedy (whose full name was John Fitzgerald Kennedy, honoring his maternal grandfather John F. Fitzgerald, a Boston mayor). The name Fitz as a nickname also has a modern, approachable feel that makes the long surname form more usable.

The Fitzgerald name is deeply embedded in Irish-American identity. F. Scott Fitzgerald, born Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, cemented the name's association with literary greatness and the American Dream. President Kennedy's middle name connected this Irish surname to the highest office in the land.

Fun Facts

John F. Kennedy's middle name 'Fitzgerald' honored his maternal grandfather John F. Fitzgerald, the 'Honey Fitz' mayor of Boston
F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of 'The Great Gatsby,' bore this surname and used his Irish-American heritage as a recurring theme

Fitzgerald in Other Languages

Irish Mac Gearailt

French Fitzgerald

Spanish Fitzgerald

Famous People Named Fitzgerald

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Politician

1917

35th President of the United States, whose middle name Fitzgerald honored his Irish-American heritage

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writer

1896

American author of 'The Great Gatsby,' the defining novel of the Jazz Age and the American Dream

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,235
Total SSA Count: 64
Cultural Origins: Irish American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Fitz #2480

Common Nicknames

Fitz Gerald Gerry

Pairs Well With

Fitzgerald James Fitzgerald Joseph Fitzgerald Patrick Fitzgerald Cole Fitzgerald Reid Fitzgerald William

Sibling Names

Sullivan Kennedy Callahan Riordan Greer Brennan

Similar Names

Jerry Harold Willard Arnold Garrett Oswald Terrell Gerard

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fitzgerald

What does the name Fitzgerald mean?

"son of Gerald" (from Anglo-Norman/Irish). "son of the spear-ruler (Gerald = Geirald)" (from Germanic). Fitzgerald is a distinguished Irish-Norman surname meaning 'son of Gerald,' with 'Fitz-' coming from the Anglo-Norman 'fils' (son of), and 'Gerald' from Germanic 'Geirald' meaning 'spear-ruler' (from 'ger,' spear, and 'wald,' rule). The Fitzgerald dynasty was one of the most powerful Norman families in Ireland, arriving with the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. The Fitzgeralds (also known as the Geraldines) dominated Irish politics for centuries, with branches becoming the Earls of Kildare and Desmond.

What is the origin of the name Fitzgerald?

Fitzgerald has Anglo-Norman/Irish, Germanic, Irish, American, and English origins. In Anglo-Norman/Irish, it means "son of Gerald". In Germanic, it means "son of the spear-ruler (Gerald = Geirald)".

Is Fitzgerald a boy or girl name?

Fitzgerald is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Fitzgerald?

Fitzgerald is pronounced f-ihtsj-EHR-uhld.

How popular is the name Fitzgerald?

Fitzgerald is currently ranked #2235 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Fitzgerald?

Common nicknames for Fitzgerald include Fitz, Gerald, and Gerry.

What are good middle names for Fitzgerald?

Popular middle name pairings include Fitzgerald James, Fitzgerald Joseph, Fitzgerald Patrick, Fitzgerald Cole, Fitzgerald Reid, and Fitzgerald William.

What are good sibling names for Fitzgerald?

Names that pair well with Fitzgerald as siblings include Sullivan, Kennedy, Callahan, Riordan, Greer, and Brennan.

How many syllables does Fitzgerald have?

Fitzgerald has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Fitzgerald a common or rare name?

Fitzgerald is an uncommon name, ranked #2235 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is a boy name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "son of Gerald" in Anglo-Norman/Irish .

Fitzgerald is currently ranked #2,235 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Fitzgerald has 3 syllables and is pronounced f-ihtsj-EHR-uhld, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Fitzgerald include Fitz, Gerald, and Gerry. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Fitzgerald include Fitz . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.