Correct spelling for the English word "fitzgerald" is [fɪtsd͡ʒˈɛɹə͡ld], [fɪtsdʒˈɛɹəld], [f_ɪ_t_s_dʒ_ˈɛ_ɹ_əl_d] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Fitzgerald is a proper noun that primarily refers to a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name "Ó Flaithbheartaigh," which translates to "bright ruler" or "prosperous ruler." As a surname, Fitzgerald is most commonly associated with Ireland and, more specifically, with the ancient province of Munster.
The name Fitzgerald has historical significance, particularly in Ireland, as it is linked to powerful dynasties and nobility. The Fitzgeralds played a prominent role in Irish history, holding titles such as Earls of Desmond, Earls of Kildare, and Dukes of Leinster. This noble lineage emerged during the medieval period and exerted influence in both local and national affairs. Their influence extended beyond Ireland, as members of the Fitzgerald family were also involved in English politics, particularly during the Tudor and Elizabethan eras.
Apart from its historical associations, Fitzgerald is also a relatively common surname worldwide, owing to Irish diaspora and emigration. Many individuals with the surname Fitzgerald can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In modern usage, Fitzgerald is not limited to being a surname but can also function as a given name. This usage is often influenced by admiration for the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, known for works such as "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender Is the Night." The popularity of Fitzgerald as a given name can be attributed to its association with literary creativity and sophistication.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Fitzgerald" is of English origin and is derived from Old French. It is a surname of Norman origin and ultimately comes from the Norman French personal name "Gerard", which was later modified to "Geralde". The name "Geralde" was a compound of the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule" or "ruler". Over time, "Geralde" evolved into various forms, including "Fitzgerald", which means "son of Gerald" or "son of Geralde" in Old French. This surname was particularly popular in Ireland and was brought over by the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century. The name "Fitzgerald" has since become one of the most prominent and influential Anglo-Irish surnames.