The surname Fitzpatrick is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Gearailt," which means "son of the servant." This name was originally taken by the descendants of a follower or servant in the retinue of one of the Irish high kings. The "Fitz" prefix, which is a Norman French term meaning "son of," was added when the Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century and the native Gaelic names were anglicized. Thus, Fitzpatrick derives from the Irish name Mac Gearailt but has been anglicized with the addition of the Norman prefix.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Fitzpatrick
The surname Fitzpatrick is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Gearailt, which translates to "son of Gearalt." It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Gearalt or Gerald, which was brought to Ireland by the Normans. The prefix "Fitz," meaning "son of," was added to distinguish the Norman-Irish families from the native Irish. The Fitzpatricks were a powerful Norman family who settled in County Tipperary in Ireland during the Middle Ages. They played significant roles in Irish history, with many becoming lords and chieftains. The surname has since spread around the world due to Irish migration, particularly to America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Geographical distribution of the last name Fitzpatrick
The last name Fitzpatrick is predominantly of Irish origin and is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Dublin and surrounding areas. It is also present in significant numbers in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford. Emigration from Ireland, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, led to a dispersal of Fitzpatrick descendants across the globe. In the United States, the name is particularly prevalent in areas with high Irish-American populations such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The last name Fitzpatrick can also be found in various other countries due to Irish diaspora, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Variants and spellings of the last name Fitzpatrick
The surname Fitzpatrick has multiple variations and spellings due to its historical origins and evolution over time. Some of these include Fitzpatrick, MacGowan, McGowan, Fitzgerald, O'Fitzpatrick, O'McGowan, and MacPherson. These variations can arise from differences in translations, regional dialects, or the Anglicization process when Gaelic names were translated into English. Additionally, some individuals may have adapted their surnames to be more easily pronounced or spelled in non-Gaelic speaking regions. The Fitzpatrick clan is an Irish sept originating from County Wexford and is part of the Dalcassian dynasty, making them descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.
Famous people with the last name Fitzpatrick
Notable individuals bearing the surname Fitzpatrick include:
1. Geraldine Fitzgerald (1913-2005), an Irish-American actress who won a Tony Award for her role in The Veil and had notable performances in films such as Wuthering Heights, How Green Was My Valley, and Alfred Hitchcock'sSpellbound.
2. Edward Fitzpatrick (1843-1924), an American politician from Massachusetts who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over two decades.
3. Matt Fitzpatrick (born 1996), a British professional golfer who won the U.S. Amateur in 2013 and turned pro the following year, rising to become one of the world's top-ranked players with multiple victories on the European Tour.
4. Brian Fitzpatrick (born 1967), an American politician from Pennsylvania who has represented the state's 1st congressional district since 2017, previously serving as a federal agent in the FBI.
5. Katherine Fitzpatrick (born 1958), an American historian and academic, currently serving as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fordham University.
6. Peter Fitzpatrick (1947-2020), a noted Irish literary scholar and critic who was a professor of English literature at University College Dublin.
Genealogical research on the last name Fitzpatrick
The Fitzpatrick surname originates from Ireland and is associated with the Gaelic septs Ó Fithbheartaigh, MacGiobhadhach, and MacGiobúin. Traditionally, it was most prevalent in counties Leinster, Munster, and Connacht. The name translates to "son of a son of the patrician," reflecting the family's noble status within Gaelic society. One of the prominent early figures associated with the Fitzpatrick lineage is Domnald MacGiobhadhach O'Brien, who was Chief of Dal gCais in the 10th century. The clan played a significant role during the Middle Ages, particularly in the political and military struggles against English occupation. Today, Fitzpatricks can be found globally due to Irish emigration, most notably to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain.
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