Surname Fitzmorrice - Meaning and Origin

Fitzmorrice: What does the surname Fitzmorrice mean?

The last name Fitzmorrice is derived from the Irish ‘Mac Muireadhaigh’ (or McMorrow), meaning “son of Muireadhaigh”. This name was then anglicized to Fitzmorrice, which signifies a family’s direct descent from a particular Irish ancestor. Although the precise origin of the surname is unknown, many believe that it derives from a 10th-century prince who lived near the River Liffey in what is now County Dublin.

The surname Fitzmorrice and its variations, such as Fitzmurray and Fitzmorris, are most commonly found in Ireland, specifically in the provinces of Connacht and Munster. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where many immigrants with the Fitzmorrice surname settled in the 19th century.

Today, Fitzmorrice is a fairly common surname. It typically denotes a strong sense of Irish pride and heritage.

It is a surname with a long and rich history, with its roots tracing back to the middle ages. Fitzmorrice is more than just a last name – it is an expression of an ancient culture, a story of a people and a journey, that can be traced back to its roots and its people.

Fitzmorrice: Where does the name Fitzmorrice come from?

The name Fitzmorrice is most commonly found in Ireland. It is one of the more ancient Irish surnames, believed to have originated during the Norman Invasion in 1170 AD. In what is now County Mayo, it is believed to have been taken as a toponymic surname from the small village of Morrice.

The Fitzmorrices originating from this area of County Mayo were descended from the Norman de Burgo family, who were made Lords of Connaught by King Henry II of England. They were created Viscount Mayo by King Charles II in 1627.

Many generations later, the Fitzmorrice family spread and can now be found in other parts of Ireland. There are also instances of the surname being found in other areas around the world, such as England, Canada, and the United States.

At present, the Fitzmorrice surname is most popular in its original Irish homeland. It is believed to be among the top 150 surnames in Ireland, with more than 600 families sharing the surname.

Variations of the surname Fitzmorrice

The surname Fitzmorrice is a variant of the Irish name 'Mac Murchadha' or 'Ó Murchadha'. The name is derived from the Gaelic words 'mac', meaning 'son of', and 'Muircheartach', meaning 'skilled navigator' or 'seafarer'.

In its modern spelling, Fitzmorrice is commonly regarded as an Anglicization of the Irish name, although linguistically it is incorrect due to the omission of Gaelic 'Mac'. In Irish records, Fitzmorrice is usually found as Fitzmaurice or Fitz Morris. The name is also sometimes found written as MacMorrow and MacMurrough.

The name Fitzmorrice is most commonly associated with County Clare in Ireland, where it is said to have been first established by the great 16th century chief of the O'Briens, Donncha O'Brien.

Fitzmorrice is also a common surname throughout Ireland, England and Scotland. In addition to these countries, the name can also be found in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Other variations of the surname Fitzmorrice include Fitzmurry, FitzeMurry, Fitzmary, Fitzmorris, Fitzmorys, McDermott and MacMorrow.

The Fitzmorrice surname has a proud Irish history and its many variants continue to fend to scatter across the globe today.

Famous people with the name Fitzmorrice

• Fergie (aka Stacy Ann Ferguson), American singer and songwriter
• Joe Fitzmorris, American politician
• Jean Fitzmorris, American author
• Jack Fitzmorris, American actor
• David Fitzmorris, American actor
• Ian Fitzmorris, British actor
• George Fitzmorris, American singer and songwriter
• William Fitzmorris, Irish politician
• Laura Fitzmorris, Irish actress
• David Fitzmorris, Irish journalist
• Arthur Fitzmorris, Scottish rugby player
• Anne Fitzmorris, American poet
• Blaise Fitzmorris, Irish politician
• John Fitzmorris, American architect
• Thomas Fitzmorris, Australian businessman
• Kathleen Fitzmorris, American journalist
• Mary Fitzmorris, American nurse and activist
• Charles Fitzmorris, English politician
• Jeremy Fitzmorris, American photographer
• Robert Fitzmorris, Canadian politician

Other surnames

FitzmorrisFitzmorrish