Thread: the noblemen's names

Hi!
I have a question about English noble second names.
I often meet such names in the books and always get curious what does this part mean:

Fitzwillam
Fitzgerald
Fitzroy

So what does this fitz actually mean?
Is it relative with Scottish patronims Mac or Welsh Ap'?
Or does it stand closely with german Von or general British Of, which adresses to the family seats?
And also for those of you who knows, tell me please the meaning of Irish O's like in second names O'Flynn or O'Donnel.

Thank you!

Вы таки будете смеяться, но
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitz

Originally Posted by Leof

Hi!
I have a question about English noble second names.
I often meet such names in the books and always get curious what does this part mean:

Fitzwillam
Fitzgerald
Fitzroy

So what does this fitz actually mean?
Is it relative with Scottish patronims Mac or Welsh Ap'?
Or does it stand closely with german Von or general British Of, which adresses to the family seats?
And also for those of you who knows, tell me please the meaning of Irish O's like in second names O'Flynn or O'Donnel.

Thank you!

Well, in Irish Gaelic: 'O' - Grandson
'Mac' - Son )
So, instead of using the suffix as Russian does, they use the prefix.

Thank you both for your answers!

Fitzleof.

Fitzroy = "Son of the King"

Fitz comes from the French "fils" (son) and -roy from the French word for King, "roi"

Originally Posted by Leof

Hi!
I have a question about English noble second names.
I often meet such names in the books and always get curious what does this part mean:

Fitzwillam
Fitzgerald
Fitzroy

I cannot quote a source but I always thought that "fitz" meant illegitimate son of..... that is why there are so many in the upper crust of English society.

Originally Posted by Mandy

Originally Posted by Leof

Hi!
I have a question about English noble second names.
I often meet such names in the books and always get curious what does this part mean:

Fitzwillam
Fitzgerald
Fitzroy

I cannot quote a source but I always thought that "fitz" meant illegitimate son of..... that is why there are so many in the upper crust of English society.

Yeh because they would advertise that fact wouldn't they...

Why not just say John Williamsbastardson.

Originally Posted by TATY

Why not just say John Williamsbastardson.

That's brilliant! I think I'm going to!

Or even John Williamsrightbleedingbastardson.

There's an Old West character named Bat Masterson. If you spoonerize it, you almost get Matt Bastardson.

I think I just found my new favorite pseudonym.