Fitzjohn (surname)

A simple Patronym, Fitzjohn means the son of John.

Early examples give the name as Le Fiz Johan. However it was not a fixed surname until about 1400 AD.

A notable example to explain the use as a family name is that of Eustace Fitzjohn lord of Knaresborough. born 1085

His father was John FitzNigel and his son was called Richard FitzEustace. So the fathers name is passed down, with each generation having a different Surname.

Variations in spelling were common as no fixed written forms of surnames existed and regional variations plus illiteracy meant different phonetic examples of the name were passed down.

Fidgeon is a derivation of Fitzjohn in some places. Other records show Fidian Fidgiohn Fidyn; Fitchjohn Fitziohns Fygjohn FFitzJon etc....

King John 1 ( John Plantagenate ) had many offspring of various surnames, from  several wives and many mistresses  They include Richard Fitzjohn also known as Richard of Dover born in 1190 to his wife  Suzanne de Warrene. Another wife Agatha Ferrers gave him a daughter called Catherine Fitzjohn but five of their children were called Fitzroy and one was simply called Joan of England. Andre Courcy gave him John Fitzjohn Courcy.