If you've got a surname that starts with Fitz, you may have more in common with “Game of Thrones” than you know! Pull out a family tree and brush up on some royal history, because your ancestor may have been the bastard son of Royalty!
The word Fitz is a Norman French noun that means “son of,” coming from the Latin term “filius” meaning son. The origin of the surnames came from Norman feudal society that held land and would adopt the the names from their principal manor where they lived. Some great warriors held no land, however, or were part of an obscure family. The name Fitz was given to the name of the warrior's father to provide a surname to them and their descendants.
However, in the Norse held a different origin. They opted the Scandinavian tradition of adding “-son” after a father's name to identify their family name. If a child had a noteworthy mother or impressive title, however, the word “Fitz” was used instead. Later these surnames were made to signify the illegitimate children of royal princes.
Depending on your heritage, you may find some interesting branches on your family tree if you can manage to reach back far enough!
