FITZPATRICK
Recorded variant spellings include Fitz Patrick, Fitz-Patrick, Fitz-patrick, Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is a surname of Irish origin that traces its roots back to the Gaelic phrase Mac Giolla Phádraig, which translates literally as “son of the servant of St. Patrick.” The prefix Fitz is a Norman French term meaning “son of” or “descendant of,” a convention that emerged during the medieval period and has endured in numerous surnames across Ireland, England and Scotland.
Historical records reveal that the name first appeared as Giolla Padraig in the annals of Ossory around the year 978. The Mac Giolla Phádraig clan was native to the counties of Kilkenny and Laois, where the name remains most common today. The clan were known as the Lords of Upper Ossory, a title reflecting their status as royal rulers over this region during the Middle Ages.
In the 16th century, Sir Barnaby Fitzpatrick was knighted, illustrating the social prominence of the family at that time. During the 19th century, notable bearers such as Patrick Vincent Fitzpatrick (1792 – 1865) served as a trusted adviser to Daniel O' Connell, a prominent revolutionary figure often referred to as “The Liberator.” These individuals underscore the involvement of Fitzpatricks in both local governance and national movements.
The Fitzpatrick coat of arms, granted to the family, features a silver saltire on a black shield, three gold fleur-de-lis on a blue chief, and a crest that portrays a green dragon surmounted by a black lion guardant, the lion’s right paw resting upon the dragon’s head. This heraldic device is a visual testament to the family’s historical significance and martial heritage.
In contemporary times, Fitzpatrick continues to be one of the most common surnames in Ireland, frequently appearing in census data. The diaspora that resulted from emigration in the past centuries has spread the name widely throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia. Despite its deep cultural roots in Irish history, the surname is now found throughout the English-speaking world.
Varieties of the name have appeared over the centuries, including MacGilpatrick, MacKilpartrick, Fitzpatric, Fitzpaterick, Fitzpadrick and Fitzpattrick. These alternate spellings arose from the anglicising process and regional pronunciation, yet all share the same fundamental meaning tied to devotion to St. Patrick.
In sum, the surname Fitzpatrick occupies a distinguished place in Irish heritage, reflecting a confluence of Gaelic tradition and Norman influence while maintaining a lasting legacy that extends well beyond the confines of its native land.
Typical given names associated with the FitzPatrick surname
Male
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname FitzPatrick in...
Braille
⠋⠊⠞⠵⠏⠁⠞⠗⠊⠉⠅
Morse
..-...---...--..--.-...-.-.-.-
Semaphore
There are approximately 17,259 people named FitzPatrick in the UK. That makes it the 511th most common surname in Britain. Around 265 in a million people in Britain are named FitzPatrick.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Famous people named FitzPatrick
- Ryan Fitzpatrick - American football player
- Jim Fitzpatrick - Politician
- Matthew Fitzpatrick - Golfer
- John Fitzpatrick - Racecar driver
- Joe FitzPatrick - Scottish politician
- Desmond Fitzpatrick - Army general (1912 to 2002)
- Tony Fitzpatrick - Scottish football player
- Paul Fitzpatrick - Football player
- Justin Fitzpatrick - Irish rugby union football player and coach
- Anna Fitzpatrick - Tennis player
- Declan Fitzpatrick - Irish rugby union player
- John Fitzpatrick - Football player
- David Fitzpatrick - Football player
- Joe Fitzpatrick - Football player
- David Fitzpatrick - Football player
- Jordan Fitzpatrick - Football player
- Letitia Fitzpatrick - Journalist and television presenter
- Joe Fitzpatrick - Northern Ireland amateur boxer
- Karl Fitzpatrick - Rugby league football player and administrator
- Sandy Fitzpatrick - -born Canadian ice hockey player
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.