What does Fitzgerald mean and where does it come from?
The surname Fitzgerald is of Anglo-Norman origin, meaning 'son of Gerald.' It was first introduced in Ireland in the 12th century by the Anglo-Normans. The name became prominent in Ireland with the Fitzgerald family, who were significant landowners and nobles in the country. Variants of the name inc
Cultural significance
Fitzgerald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of gerald.
Peak popularity
Reached #690 in 1964 — currently #2253 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Fitzgerald Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Fitzgerald Rose
Floral · soft ending
Fitzgerald Mae
Sweet · timeless
Fitzgerald Claire
French influence · crisp
Fitzgerald Jane
Literary · strong
Fitzgerald Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Fitzgerald right now?
Falling — down 191 spots — currently #2253 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2253 | 63 | ▼ down 191 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #2062 | 73 | ▼ down 348 · -23% births |
| 2021 | #1714 | 95 | ▲ up 167 · +22% births |
| 2020 | #1881 | 78 | ▲ up 103 · +7% births |
| 2015 | #1984 | 73 | ▲ up 5660 · +630% births |
| 2010 | #7644 | 10 | ▲ up 4025 · +100% births |
| 2005 | #11669 | 5 | ▼ down 4137 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #7532 | 8 | ▼ down 2329 · -27% births |
| 1995 | #5203 | 11 | ▼ down 1843 · -39% births |
| 1990 | #3360 | 18 | ▼ down 369 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #2991 | 16 | ▲ up 717 · +45% births |
| 1980 | #3708 | 11 | ▼ down 382 |
| 1975 | #3326 | 11 | ▼ down 1869 · -68% births |
| 1970 | #1457 | 34 | ▼ down 485 · -41% births |
| 1965 | #972 | 58 | — |
The story of Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 1,591 total births recorded, Fitzgerald remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4193 in 1955 to #2253 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Fitzgerald in 1964:
Fitzgerald by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 25 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 381 | |
| 1970s | 174 | |
| 1980s | 161 | |
| 1990s | 118 | |
| 2000s | 71 | |
| 2010s ★ | 551 | |
| 2020s | 78 | |
💎With 1,591 total births, Fitzgerald is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Fitzgerald?
What names sound and feel like Fitzgerald?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fitzgerald also consider these
Common questions about the name Fitzgerald
What does the name Fitzgerald mean?
Fitzgerald means "Son of Gerald" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald is a three-syllable name pronounced F IH0 T S JH EH1 R AH0 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Fitzgerald?
Fitzgerald pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.