Surname Fitzmartin - Meaning and Origin
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Fitzmartin: What does the surname Fitzmartin mean?
The last name Fitzmartin is likely of Irish or Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word mac Maertain, which translates literally to "son of Martin." It was a fairly common name in medieval Ireland and Scotland, as it acknowledged the legacy of a father or ancestor named Martin.
In Ireland and Scotland, the use of the word 'Fitz' was used to denote legitimacy and signal ancestry. It was often found attached to a patronymic name, usually for someone born as the legitimate child of a noble family. By adding the prefix 'Fitz' to the name, it typically indicated that a person was of noble birth and descended from a great family, usually with a specific hereditary title.
The Fitzmartin name likely developed from a respected family who had a legacy of contributing to their community in some fashion. It could refer to a respected leader, a renowned doctor, or a talented musician. Those who held the Fitzmartin name were likely well-known for their accomplishments and for being part of a respected clan. It is believed that the surname is now mostly found in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of the United Kingdom.
Order DNA origin analysisFitzmartin: Where does the name Fitzmartin come from?
The last name Fitzmartin is commonly found in Ireland. It is most commonly associated with County Mayo, with records dated back to the 14th century indicating it likely originated there. This name is still quite popular in rural counties and is quite common in Mayo, Galway, and other nearby counties.
Notable figures with the last name Fitzmartin include Donal Fitzmartin, a poet; John Fitzmartin, a noted merchant; Patrick Fitzmartin, an officer in the British Army; Patrick Fitzmartin, a famous athlete; and Patrick Fitzmartin, an influential politician.
The name Fitzmartin is not as common in other parts of the world. It is an English name, but it is not as popular as other names originating in the British Isles. It is currently more commonly found in areas of the United States where Irish immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In particular, Fitzmartin is relatively more popular in the South and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States than in other parts of the country.
The name Fitzmartin has an interesting set of personalities associated with it. It is a proud name that can trace its history back over 800 years. It is not as widespread as some other last names today, but it is still a name that can be found in certain pockets of the world.
Variations of the surname Fitzmartin
Fitzmartin is an Anglicised version of an Irish surname. The original Irish spellings are Mac Giolla Mhartain or Ó Maol Mhartain. The English and Scottish variants are Fitzmartin and MacMartin, while the Irish forms are Mac Giolla Mhartain, Ó Maol Mhartain, McMartin, Macmartin, MacMartin, and Fitzmaurice.
The Fitzmartin surname is derived from the Gaelic words mac giolla and maol, translating as "servant" and "lord" respectively, and Mhartain as "Martin". The surname is generally associated with the Christian name "Martin" and indicates that the family descended from a line of individuals bearing the Christian name.
The original Mac Giolla Mhartain was a son of a John Martin with the family name of Martin. This family arrived in Ireland and adopted the Irish theological and ecclesiastical structure in the twelfth century when they settled in areas near County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Many of the families who began in Ireland with the surname Fitzmartin spread to England, Scotland, Germany and America in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
In Scotland, the Fitzmartin family also derived from the Macmartins and Fitzmaurices. The Fitzmaurices were hereditary tenants to the Earl of Kildare in the late 15th Century who had descended from a great-great-grandson of John Mhartain. The Fitzmaurices built large and impressive castles in the south of Ireland.
Fitzmartin is an ancient and distinguished surname, with many branches throughout history and today. It is a reminder of the progenitor of a great family that traveled the world in search of opportunities and experiences.
Famous people with the name Fitzmartin
- Gordon Fitzmartin: Gordon Fitzmartin is an English professional actor most widely known for his role in the 2013 movie "The World's End".
- Steve Fitzmartin: Steve Fitzmartin was a professional American football player in the early 1970s. He played for the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders before retiring in 1973.
- Matthew Fitzmartin: Matthew Fitzmartin is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known for his work with the rock band Smash Mouth and other acts.
- Michael Fitzmartin: Michael Fitzmartin is an American entrepreneur and business executive most widely known for founding the luxury menswear brand Paul Smith USA.
- John Fitzmartin: John Fitzmartin is an Australian professional squash player who has won numerous tournaments internationally.
- Mark Fitzmartin: Mark Fitzmartin is a Canadian artist and writer most known for his graphic novels "The Chronicles of Hate" and "Paradise: A Graphic Novel".
- Barbara Fitzmartin: Barbara Fitzmartin is an English actress who has been featured in the dramas "Downton Abbey" and "Endeavour".
- Paul Fitzmartin: Paul Fitzmartin is a British actor best known for his role in the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Kindergarten Cop".
- Sean Fitzmartin: Sean Fitzmartin is an Irish professional rugby player. He has represented the national team in both the Under-20s and senior divisions.
- Liam Fitzmartin: Liam Fitzmartin is a British-born film and television director most widely known for directing hit shows like "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock".
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Fitzmartin"
04.05.2024
Well, THIS is frustrating... I've never heard of these people before and a quick search seems to suggest that, for example, there is no Gordon Fitzmartin that was in the move "The World's End"; there is no Steve Fitzmartin that played professional football; there is no Liam Fitzmartin who directed "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock" episodes; there is no Mark Fitzmartin that wrote or drew "The Chronicles of Hate"; and there was no Matthew Fitzmartin who played in the band Smash Mouth. What the heck?!?!