Surname Fitzhenry - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fitzhenry: What does the surname Fitzhenry mean?
The surname Fitzhenry is of Norman origin and is predominantly found in Ireland. The name is derived from the Norman personal name "Henericus" meaning "Henry." The prefix "Fitz-" comes from the Latin term "filius," which means "son of." Therefore, Fitzhenry basically means "son of Henry." This usage of "Fitz-" was frequently used by the Normans to denote a patronymic relationship. After the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, many Anglo-Norman names including Fitzhenry were disseminated in Ireland. It has variations and spellings which include Fitzharris, Fitzhenry, and Fitzharry. Despite its Norman origins, the surname is deeply ingrained in Irish history and culture over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisFitzhenry: Where does the name Fitzhenry come from?
The surname Fitzhenry is of Irish origin, derived from the old Gaelic "Mac Einri" or "Mac Eanraig," son of Henry. The "Fitz" prefix is derived from the old French "fils," which means "son of". The name is most commonly found in County Dublin and the surrounding Leinster region in Ireland, but it is also present in other parts of the UK and in English-speaking countries worldwide, due to the effects of Irish diaspora. It is still most common in Ireland, though significant populations of people with this name can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Fitzhenry
The surname Fitzhenry is of Norman origin. This surname is a patronymic name, which means it is derived from the name of a male ancestor. It means 'Son of Henry'. The prefix "Fitz-" is derived from the French word "fils," which means "son of," and would be attached to the first name of the father.
Variants and alternative spellings of the surname Fitzhenry can include Fitz Henry, Fitz-Henry, and Fitshenry. However, it should be noted that the use of spaces or hyphens between "Fitz" and "Henry" are more modern conventions, and would not have been used in the historical context from which the name originates.
Additionally, other patronymic surnames that start with the "Fitz-" prefix and represent the same concept, though not directly related to Fitzhenry, can include Fitzpatrick, (son of Patrick), FitzGerald (son of Gerald), Fitzwilliam (son of William), etc.
It's also worth mentioning that in Ireland, where the name became Hibernicized, it is found as MacEinri or MacEnery (Son of Henry).
Versatility in spelling was common in early records, meaning that this surname could potentially appear under a different spelling while still referring to the same family lineage.
Famous people with the name Fitzhenry
- Robert Fitzhenry: Known as a famous businessman and philanthropist from Canada. He was also the founder and chairman of the Fitzhenry & Whiteside publishing company.
- Susan Fitzhenry: A philanthropist and co-founder of the Fitzhenry Family Foundation, which enriches Canadian society by supporting cultural, educational and charitable organizations.
- Howard Fitzhenry: He was a well-respected American academic who served as a professor at both Stanford University and Oregon State University.
- James G. Fitzhenry: He was a prominent American jurist who served as the Associate Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.
- Maeve Fitzhenry: An acclaimed Irish writer and historian, who is best known for her works on Irish social history and women's history.
- Joe Fitzhenry: A known television producer, director, and writer from America. Please bear in mind that while the results listed contain figures of certain recognition, the name Fitzhenry isn't massively ubiquitous within the realm of mainstream celebrities or public figures.