Surname Fitz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fitz: What does the surname Fitz mean?
The last name Fitz is of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Latin word "filius", meaning 'son of'. It was used in patronymic surnames, typically before the father's name, indicating a direct male lineage. This was common in the Norman tradition. Over time, "Fitz" has been incorporated into many surnames, especially in Ireland and England. It is commonly misunderstood to signify illegitimate child, primarily because Henry II of England, known for his numerous illegitimate children, fathered many who carried "Fitz" names. However, this is not accurate as the term simply refers to lineage and not to marital status or legitimacy. Notable examples include FitzGerald, FitzPatrick, and FitzRoy.
Order DNA origin analysisFitz: Where does the name Fitz come from?
The surname Fitz originates from Anglo-Norman language and it is derived from the Old French word "fils," meaning son. The prefix was often used in patronymic names where it means "son of", like in Fitzpatrick (son of Patrick) or Fitzgerald (son of Gerald). Consequently, it's linked to the tradition of using the father's name as a way of identifying individuals, which was common practice during the era of Norman invasion and settlement in England in the 11th century.
Today, the surname Fitz is spread globally due to demographic dispersion and migration over centuries. However, it is most common in countries where the English language is prevalent. Countries like the United States of America, England, Ireland, and Australia have a higher frequency of the surname. While in Ireland it is primarily concentrated in the County Limerick region. All in all, the presence of the 'Fitz' prefix indicates a lineage that once had a significant status in society, either due to their paternal connection or due to an official appointment from the crown.
Variations of the surname Fitz
The surname "Fitz" is of Anglo-Norman origin, introduced to the British Isles after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The prefix "Fitz" is derived from the Latin "filius," which means "son of." It was added to the respective personal names, creating an occupational surname that indicated a relationship between father and son.
Variants of "Fitz" include Fitzhugh, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Fitzsimmons, Fitzroy, Fitzgibbon, Fitts, and Fitzhenry. Each of these variations represents different personal names to which the prefix "Fitz" was attached. For instance, Fitzgerald means "son of Gerald," Fitzpatrick means "son of Patrick," and so on.
Spelling variations of this family name due to an assortment of reasons include Fitz, Fitts, Fytts, and others. Often, scribes wrote down the name by how it was pronounced, which led to a multitude of spelling variations.
Also, surnames like Fitzwilliam, Fitzjames, and Fitzwarren, while less common, carry the same origin. This prefix was also added to maternal names, titles, and occupations, adding variations like Fitzurse (son of the bear) and Fitzpiers (son of Peter).
Famous people with the name Fitz
- Roger Fitz: A professional football player known for his time with the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys.
- Ari Fitz: Known for her appearances on MTV's "The Real World," she has become a popular Youtuber and voice in the LGBT community.
- Michael Fitz: A popular German actor who is known for his roles in films such as "Dampfnudelblues" and "Winterreise".
- Ella Fitz: Dutch singer known for her jazz and blues performances.
- Malcolm Fitz: A British musician, best known as the lead singer of the band "Fitz and the Tantrums."
- Paul Fitz: A German film actor, known for his roles in "The Experiment" and "Good Bye, Lenin."
- Laura Fitz: A Spanish actress known for her roles in "Los hombres de Paco" and "El accidente".
- Steve Fitz: A rugby union player for New Zealand's All Blacks team.
- Scott Fitz: Popularly known as F. Scott Fitzgerald, the American author famous for "The Great Gatsby". Please note that while 'Fitz’ serves as a prefix, it is not a standalone surname for some celebrities such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.