Surname Fitz-Randolph - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fitz-Randolph: What does the surname Fitz-Randolph mean?
The surname "Fitz-Randolph" is of Anglo-Norman origin. The prefix "Fitz-" is derived from the Old French "fils de", meaning "son of". The second part of this name, "Randolph", is a pre-existing surname or given name, usually of the father. Randolph itself is from the Old Norse personal name "Rǫgnvaldr", which is composed of the elements "regin", meaning advice or decision, and "valdr", meaning rule. So, Fitz-Randolph essentially means "son of Randolph". It was a habitual practice in the medieval period to create a new surname by adding the prefix "Fitz-" to an existing name. This type of surname was particularly common among the Normans, and were usually given to illegitimate sons of nobles. Fitz-Randolph and other Fitz- surnames remain common in the British Isles, particularly in Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisFitz-Randolph: Where does the name Fitz-Randolph come from?
The last name Fitz-Randolph is most commonly found today in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Within the United States, the Fitz-Randolph name is most commonly found in the New England region, particularly in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Records of the surname date back to the early 1600s when the Fitzgerald family emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts.
The Fitz-Randolph surname spread and families bearing the name can be found throughout New England and New York. Within the past century, the surname has continued to grow and spread even further, as individuals with the last name have moved throughout the United States. In some cases, the surname has become shortened to fitz or randolph.
Today, many individuals bearing the last name Fitz-Randolph are part of large, extended families with a long history in the United States. The Fitzgerald line is also connected to many other lines of descent, including the prominent families of Adams, Coolidge, Forbes, Phillips and Cabot.
Despite being relatively rare today, the Fitz-Randolph last name continues to be well-known among families who trace their heritage to early Massachusetts settlers. Today, those with the last name often find a sense of connection and pride in their long, shared history.
Variations of the surname Fitz-Randolph
Fitz-Randolph is a relatively uncommon surname that has been found in records dating back to the 14th century in England. Originally an aristocratic name, Fitz-Randolph is derived from the Old French words “fitz” meaning “son” and “Ranulph” meaning “shield-wolf”. The surname Fitz-Randolph can be found in various versions, spellings and surnames such as Fitz Randolph, Fitz-Ranolph, FitzRanulph, FitzRandolph, FitzRandolphe, Fitz Randolphy, FitszRandolph, Fitzranalphe and Randol. All of these variations stem from the same root and can be traced back to the same descendent of the original Fitz-Randolph family. The surname has also been found to be spelled Fitz-Randal and Fitz-Ryndolphe.
Given its French origins, many variations of this surname can be found in other countries, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. In France, Fitz-Randolph is often spelled “Fitz-Randolphe”, while in Germany it is usually “Fitz-Rotrup” or “Fitz-Ranold”. Additionally, in the Netherlands, this surname is often spelled as “Fitz-Randerlow” or “Fitz-Raandolph”. Finally, in Spain, the surname can be found as “Fitz-Rentol”, “Fitz-Rendol” or “Fitz-Rendolo”.
Due to the popularity of this surname in locations around the world, it has also been passed down through families and its various variants can be found in other surnames like Fitz-Randle, Fitz Gerald and Fitz-Rendo. Therefore, when researching family lineage, one should be aware of the various variations of the Fitz-Randolph surname and its variants.
Famous people with the name Fitz-Randolph
- Wendy Fitz-Randolph: American singer and business proprietor of her own music production company, Phoenix Media Relations.
- Hilary Fitz-Randolph: American artist notable for her landscape paintings and printmaking art.
- John Fitz-Randolph: British author and playwright, best known for his play “The Sovereignty of Heaven” which was performed by the National Theatre.
- Charles Fitz-Randolph: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and Director of the U.S. Naval Academy in the mid-late 20th century.
- Sidney Fitz-Randolph: American actor best known for his part as Doctor Clive in the ABC Television series “Eight is Enough”.
- Lee Fitz-Randolph: American athlete notable for being the first African- American to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the 800-meter race at the 1950 Tokyo Olympic Games.
- Patrice Fitz-Randolph: Award-winning costume designer and fashion illustrator in the entertainment industry.
- Linden Fitz-Randolph: Australian professional tennis player renowned for his Wimbledon win in the early 1970s.
- Henrietta Fitz-Randolph: British actress and producer, best known for playing the lead in productions such as “Julius Caesar” (1968), “The Scarlet Letter” (1977) and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (1981).
- Jeff Fitz-Randolph: United States Marine Corps veteran and former U.S. Ambassador to the Cook Islands and the Republic of Niger.