Origine et histoire

Norman French patronymic meaning 'son of Gerald', from 'fils' (son) and 'Gearalt' (Gerald), where Gerald derives from the Old High German 'Gerwald', composed of 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule) — meaning 'spear ruler'. The Fitzgeralds arrived in Ireland as part of the Anglo-Norman invasion in the twelfth century, founding two great dynasties: the Earls of Desmond in Munster and the Earls of Kildare in Leinster. The Earls of Kildare became so powerful in the late fifteenth century that it was said Ireland could not be governed without them, making the Fitzgeralds one of the most consequential families in Irish history.