Definitions for "Fitzpatrick"
Keywords:  giolla, draig, surname, norman, irish
The Surname Fitzpatrick is the English format of the Irish Mac Giolla Phádraig. (Son of the devoted of St. Patrick) As part of the colonisation of Ireland by England, natural Irish names had to be restyled in the English format. Mac Giolla Phádraig was anglicised as Fitzpatrick. It is the only surname with the Fitz prefix of Irish origin. All other "Fitz" surnames are of Norman descent. Fitzpatrick's have also contributed, with significant influence and success, in high office in Ireland, Canada, India and the United States.
The surname Fitzpatrick is the translation of Mac Giolla Phádraig from the original Irish to English. It is the only surname with the Fitz prefix of Irish origin. All others are of Hiberno-Norman descent.