The name Fitz is of English origin and has a long and storied history. It is derived from the Middle English word "fiz," which was used to denote a son or child. In many cases, this name was given as a title of respect to those who were illegitimate children of nobility.
In medieval England, it was not uncommon for wealthy noblemen to have children out of wedlock with their mistresses or servants. To acknowledge these children and provide them with some form of legitimacy, they would often be referred to as "Fitz" followed by the father's name. For example, Fitzroy meant "son of the king," while Fitzwilliam meant "son of William."
Over time, the name Fitz became more widely used and eventually evolved into a given name in its own right. Today, it is still primarily found in English-speaking countries, but has gained popularity around the world as a unique and distinctive choice for a boy's name.
There are no specific meanings or associations attached to the name Fitz beyond its historical context. However, some people have interpreted it as meaning "son of" or "child of," reflecting its original usage. Despite this lack of deeper meaning, many parents are drawn to Fitz because of its unusual sound and its connection to history and nobility.
Some notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Fitz include FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan (a British general during the Crimean War), and Sir John Fittz (an English merchant and explorer). Today, the name Fitz continues to be chosen by parents looking for a strong, memorable name with a rich heritage.
The name Fitz has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1914 and 2023, there have been a total of 633 births registered with the first name Fitz.
During the early to mid-20th century, the number of babies named Fitz remained relatively low but steady, with an average of around 5 births per year between 1914 and 1976. This period saw some fluctuations, with years as low as 5 births and as high as 8 births.
However, since the late 1970s, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Fitz. Between 1980 and 2023, the number of annual births with the first name Fitz has consistently risen, with some notable spikes:
* In 2015, there were 33 births, marking a significant increase from previous years.
* The following year, in 2016, the number of births rose further to 39.
* This upward trend continued in 2017 with 54 births, which was more than double the number of births compared to just two years prior.
The most recent data available shows that in 2022 and 2023, there were 54 and 37 births respectively, indicating that while Fitz remains popular, its popularity may have reached a peak or begun to stabilize after several decades of increasing usage.
In summary, the name Fitz has seen a steady but low level of usage throughout most of the 20th century in the United States. However, since the late 1970s, there has been a noticeable increase in its popularity, with a significant rise in the number of births registered with this name over the past decade. Despite some fluctuations in recent years, Fitz continues to be a popular choice among parents in the United States today.