"son of Gerald"
Origin: Anglo-Norman/Irish
Language: English
Fitzgerald
Pronunciation: [ f-ihtsj-EHR-uhld ]
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The name of kings, presidents, and literary giants
Irish
American
English
Strong
Literary
Classic
Sophisticated
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the spear-ruler (Gerald = Geirald)"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Fitzgerald first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 1,838 babies have been named Fitzgerald in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Fitzgerald is past its peak , currently ranked #2,235 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,235
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1964
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Fitzgerald
J
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Politician
1917
35th President of the United States, whose middle name Fitzgerald honored his Irish-American heritage
F
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Writer
1896
American author of 'The Great Gatsby,' the defining novel of the Jazz Age and the American Dream
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See all →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
Common Nicknames
Fitz
Gerald
Gerry
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Fitzgerald
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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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.
What boy names are similar to Fitzgerald?
Are there other spellings for Fitzgerald?
Related spellings include Fitz.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis