Irish surname of Anglo-Norman (Hiberno-Norman) origin, from Anglo-Norman French fi(t)z 'son' (Latin filius) + the personal name Gerald. Irish bearers claim descent from Gerald Fitzwalter de Windsor, constable of Pembroke Castle in the early 12th century, whose grandson Raymond 'le Gros' FitzGerald took part in the 1170 invasion of Ireland. It was Gaelicized as Mac Gearailt.
Spellings and related forms: FitzGerald, Mac Gearailt.
The name means 'son of Gerald', so the crest takes the shamrock to stand for the Ireland where the Norman FitzGeralds settled.
Most surnames have no single "family crest". In heraldry, a coat of arms belonged to one person and passed down one line of descent. Sites that sell "the Fitzgerald coat of arms" usually show the arms of one historic family that shared the name. Ours is different on purpose: an original design built from what the name means, which any Fitzgerald can own honestly.
Blankets: soft velveteen plush (100% polyester), printed on one side; may run up to 3 in. short of the listed size. Rugs: polyester chenille with hemmed edges and a coated backing, for indoor use. Both are printed in the USA (Georgia and North Carolina).
Name meanings come from the sources above, checked 2026-10. Where scholars disagree, we say so.