Fitzgeralds

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A surname belonging to a notable family or individuals, especially associated with literary, political, or social prominence ; the plural form used to denote multiple members of the family or people sharing that name ; can refer to establishments or places named after such individuals
2. Refers collectively to people bearing a certain distinguished last name ; used to describe groups or families with that heritage ; may denote institutions or businesses named for those individuals
3. The shared last name of certain influential persons or lineages ; applied in reference to several individuals of that name ; sometimes signifies places or entities titled in honor of them

Etymology: "Fitz" is an Anglo-Norman French element meaning "son of," descended from Latin "filius." The surname therefore means "son of Gerald," and "Gerald" is a Germanic personal name combining elements meaning "spear" and "rule." The name took root in Ireland after Norman knights arrived there. Maurice FitzGerald, one of the leaders of that invasion, founded a family whose branches became the Earls of Kildare and the Earls of Desmond, and whose members were known collectively as the Geraldines. Many modern bearers of the surname trace their lines back to those Norman-Irish families, though the name later spread to other countries. This plural form refers to the whole family or group who share the surname, and it is the same pattern used for institutions and businesses named after such families.