Of particular interest are that small group of patronyms preceeded by Fitz , from the French fils, son of . In this category are the names FitzGerald, FitzMaurice, FitzGibbon, FitzSimmons and FitzHarris. The Kerry surname MacElligott was originally FitzElias. Nicknames Of rather more interest are those surnames derived from nicknames, many of which are of French origin. A sense of humour bordering on the cruel was clearly part of life at this time.
Many nicknames originate in descriptive terms relating to hair colouring.
The meaning of many of these surnames occur in both English and French forms in the early records. Rare Names Many of Ireland s surviving Anglo-Norman surnames are of relatively uncommon occurance today while at the other end of the spectrum we have the numerous descendants of the great lineages, with names of intermediate occurance in between. As late as the mid-nineteenth century bearers of these surnames were mostly still found in the same counties their ancestors had inhabited. Two examples of uncommon names may be of interest. Boyton is a place in Suffolk, and a family called Boyton first occur in association with the Tipperary town of Cashel as early as 1235.