Jarrell and other variants of Fitzgerald (English Invaders)
The Arrival of Richard de Clare
Richard de Clare was the son of an Englishman who was disguised as a Norman. His father, Gilbert de Clare, was the first Earl of Pembroke, married to Isabel de Beaumont, who was the daughter of Robert de Beaumont, Earl of Leicester and also the mistress of King Henry I. Richard had a sister named Basilea de Clare, and their lineage can be traced back in a way that may intrigue those researching the Fitzgerald surname origins.
Gilbert de Clare passed away around 1148, and Richard inherited his father's possessions when he was approximately 18 years old. However, in 1154, Henry II stripped Richard of his title for supporting his mother, Empress Matilda, during the Anarchy. His contemporaries referred to him as the Earl of Striguil, linked to his lordship of Striguil where he had a castle. This historical backdrop adds depth to the Jarrell family history and may connect with those delving into Quinn genealogy research.
The FitzGeralds
FitzGerald or Fitzgerald is an Irish surname of Hiberno-Norman origin, predominantly adopted by themselves. The Fitzgerald surname origins can be traced back to a patronymic derived from the prefix Fitz- from the Latin filius- plus Gerald, thus meaning "son of Gerald." In Goidelic languages, such as the Irish language, it is rendered Mac Gearailt and has its roots in England rather than Ireland.
Historically, the FitzGeralds were invaders of Ireland, making them non-native Irish. The FitzGerald dynasty is an Anglo-Norman noble and aristocratic lineage, originally of Cambro-Norman and Anglo-Norman heritage. They have held the title of peers of Ireland since at least the 13th century and are noted in the Annals of the Four Masters for becoming "more Irish than the Irish themselves" or Gaels, due to their assimilation with the native Gaelic aristocratic culture. This dynasty is often referred to as the Geraldines and has been labeled as Ireland's largest land thieves, having gained power through colonization and the conquest of vast Irish territories by the sons and grandsons of Gerald de Windsor (c. 1075 – 1135). Gerald de Windsor (Gerald FitzWalter) was the first Castellan of Pembroke Castle in Wales and became the male progenitor of the FitzMaurice and FitzGerald Dynasty, with "fitz" indicating "sons of" Gerald in Anglo-Norman. His father, Baron Walter FitzOther, was the first Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle for William the Conqueror and was the Lord of 38 manors in England, positioning the FitzGeralds among the "service families" relied upon by the King. Some members of the family became known as the Black Knights, Green Knights, and White Knights.
The main branches of the family are:
The FitzMaurices and FitzGeralds of Kildare (Earls of Kildare from 1316, later Marquesses of Kildare, and from 1766 Dukes of Leinster and Premier Peers of Ireland). The current head is Maurice FitzGerald, 9th Duke of Leinster.
The Fitzmaurice and FitzGerald of Desmond (Barons Desmond, later Earls of Desmond). Additionally, those researching the Jarrell family history may find connections through these noble lineages, while Quinn genealogy research could also uncover links to this rich tapestry of Irish aristocracy.
Jarrell, Gerald, Ferrell Origins
Jarrell, a Surname invented in Virginia
Jarrell is often thought to derive from the Norman personal name Gerald, which itself comes from the Germanic elements “geri” (spear) and “wald” (rule). The Fitzgerald surname origins trace back to “fils de Gerald” (son of Gerald), brought to Ireland by the Normans, especially after the 1169 invasion. Therefore, both Jarrell and Fitzgerald could derive from the same original Gerald stock, indicating a distant link in their name origins.
In Ireland, surnames were often adapted to conform to English in various ways:
Mac Gearailt, the Irish rendering of FitzGerald, could theoretically evolve or be misrecorded as Gerald, Jerrell, or Jarrell—especially among emigrants. This spelling fluidity in records (particularly in the 17th–19th centuries) suggests that a Jarrell in America or Britain may descend from a Fitzgerald family, particularly if they hail from Irish stock. In some cases, families adopted new surnames to reflect political or social alliances—so a tenant or soldier in the employ of the Fitzgeralds might take on a related surname (or vice versa). Some Jarrells may descend from families originally called Fitzgerald, who later changed their name for social, religious, or political reasons—especially in Ulster, Leinster, or within the colonies.
There is a plausible but not automatic linguistic or genealogical link between Jarrell and Fitzgerald, particularly through the shared root name Gerald. A true ancestral connection would depend on several factors, including geographic origin (particularly in Ireland), spelling history in records, and even DNA testing, which could also play a role in Quinn genealogy research.
Jarrell, a Surname invented in Virginia
Jarrell, a Surname invented in Virginia
Jarrell, a Surname invented in Virginia
These surnames are linguistically or historically linked to the Fitzgerald surname origins:
FitzGerald (original spelling, often with a capital G) Fitzgerald (most common modern form) Gerald – From the root given name; sometimes adopted as a surname. Garrett – A derivative of Gerald, common as a surname and sometimes confused in records. Jarrell / Jerrell / Jerrill / Jerold – Phonetic and regional variations that may stem from Gerald. Gerould / Jerrold / Geralds – Variations based on pronunciation and Americanization.
Patronymic/Irish Forms
From the Irish-language version of Fitzgerald, Mac Gearailt (son of Gerald), we sometimes see:
McGerald / MacGerald – Rare, but shows up in some 18th–19th century records. Gearalt / Gearald – Irish spelling occasionally adopted or mistranscribed.
Immigrants (especially Irish during the 18th–19th centuries) sometimes simplified or altered their names:
Gerold / Girald / Giraud – More French or Germanic stylizations; could occur among Norman-French descendants. Gerrold – A spelling influenced by English conventions. Gerrald / Gerril / Garrald – Americanized phonetic spellings.
Notes on Spelling Drift
Because “Fitz” means “son of,” it was sometimes dropped entirely or misunderstood in America, leading to surnames like:
Gerald Jarrell Gerrald Jerral
In oral histories, especially in the South, the names "Jarrell" and "Fitzgerald" have sometimes been confused or associated with each other—though this doesn't always indicate actual kinship without supporting documentation. This is particularly relevant for those engaged in Quinn genealogy research, as the connections between these names can be complex.
Virginia and West Virginia
Jarrell, a Surname invented in Virginia
Virginia and West Virginia
West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, playing a crucial role as a border state during the American Civil War. It separated from Virginia and became one of the two states, alongside Nevada, to join the Union during the Civil War. While some residents held slaves, the majority were yeoman farmers, and the delegates ensured the gradual abolition of slavery in the new state constitution. The state legislature abolished slavery and ratified the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery nationally, on February 3, 1865. Interestingly, those researching the Fitzgerald surname origins may find connections to this period, as many families were impacted by these changes. The Jarrell family history also intertwines with the state’s unique past, as the region saw various families navigating the complexities of life during and after the war. Finally, Quinn genealogy research could uncover ties to the residents of West Virginia, who were often divided in their views on slavery and representation in the state legislature.
West Virginia is a mountainous state located in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland to the northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. As the 10th-smallest state by area, West Virginia ranks as the 12th-least populous state.
From 1607 to 1776, the Crown considered the area of West Virginia part of the British Virginia Colony. The United States recognized this region as the western part of Virginia, commonly referred to as Trans-Allegheny Virginia, from 1776 until West Virginia's formation in 1863. For years, residents were dissatisfied with their position in Virginia, as the government was dominated by the planter elite from the Tidewater and Piedmont areas. The legislature exhibited electoral malapportionment by counting slaves toward regional populations, which led to underrepresentation of western white residents. Many subsistence and yeoman farmers lived in the west, generally opposing slavery, although opinions on the matter varied by county. The divide among residents deepened after the planter elite of eastern Virginia voted to secede from the Union during the Civil War.
Earnest Odell Jarrell (1918-1982)
La Donna and her Father
My lovely wife La Donna and her dear father, who sadly passed away due to black lung and its associated complications, are cherished in our family’s history. She loves him forever and often tells me he was a good man. The family, as of 2025, continues to remember him fondly, and Odell still takes care of their mom today. He is buried in Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery, Dade City, FL, alongside other family members. In exploring the Fitzgerald surname origins, we also reflect on the Jarrell family history and Quinn genealogy research, which connects us to our roots. For more information, you can visit http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/pasco/cemetery/chapelhill.txt.
Christmas Dinner 1974
Christmas with La Donna at her father's side included the Jarrell family, alongside visitors from Ohio, celebrating in Zephyrhills, Pasco, Florida. During the gathering, discussions about the Fitzgerald surname origins and the Jarrell family history naturally arose, while some also delved into Quinn genealogy research.
Christmas Eve 1971 - Baby La Donna
La Donna Kay Jarrell, at her first Christmas in 1971 when she was just 4 1/2 months old, lived in Zephyrhills, FL. This moment is a cherished part of the Jarrell family history, which is often explored alongside the Fitzgerald surname origins and the Quinn genealogy research.
Ernie Jr and La Donna Jarrell 1980
Ernest Odell Jarrell, II and La Donna Kay Jarrell circa 1980 at Christmas time. I am sure that those who knew La Donna and Ernie remember their mom Sandy, still with us at the age of 86. She is super sharp-minded and generally happy-go-lucky. For those of you who know her, you can recall all of the holidays when Sandy made certain to decorate the Yew Tree in their front yard on 12th Street. And the countless parties where Sandy baked cookies and cakes for anyone that wanted something sweet, which is a cherished part of the Jarrell family history. Sandy's dear sister Judy and her husband Dave Perkins took good care of Sandy and the kids after Odell passed. Judy and Dave still live in Mansfield, OH, and their support has been invaluable to the family. Additionally, for those interested in genealogy, the Fitzgerald surname origins are rich and intertwined with many family histories, including the Jarrells, and provide interesting avenues for Quinn genealogy research.
Uncle Dennis' Cactus Collection (Fall of 2006)
Shortly after Uncle Dennis' death in 2006, we became the custodians of his extensive cactus collection, which often sparked discussions about our family roots, including the Fitzgerald surname origins and the Jarrell family history. The photo above shows our greenhouse in Cape Carteret, Carteret County, NC, where the cacti thrived and constantly reminded us of Dennis and his love for the plants. They all bloomed beautifully, and it was then that we realized why Dennis loved caring for them, much like our passion for Quinn genealogy research.
World War Two Veteran
Odell was from a family that strongly believed in being free men. They never owned slaves and married their neighbors' kids, regardless of the fact that many were at least part Cherokee, with some being full Cherokee. This deep-rooted belief in freedom is reflected in the Fitzgerald surname origins, which often highlight a commitment to family values and community ties, much like the Jarrell family history that emphasizes unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Therefore, after his brother Omer died on the battlefield in Germany during WWII, Odell was compelled to enlist, as his dear brother had done, paying the highest cost and sacrifice to be free men—an act of dedication that most families today know little about. All of those of us who read about him can hopefully understand more about his character through Quinn genealogy research, which sheds light on such noble legacies.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Odell served only 6 months; he became injured and gravely sick while in training at Camp Walter, Texas, where he was honorably discharged on the 15th of October, 1941. Hopefully, when we receive his military files, we will know those details.
Earnest Odell Jarrell of Twilight, VA & WV
Dennis Jarrell and fatherJohn Sullivan Jarrell. Also the father of Odell Jarrell my wife's father.
Nancy McCann Jarrell's 106th Birthday Thursday July 28th 2007 at Camp Creek as reported in the Coal Valley News.
La Donna Jarrell reports that her Aunt Nancy lived alone on Jarrell Mountain living off her faith and the land until she was 105.
Nancy maintained her own garden in Twilight, hunted small game and was often seen aboard her trusted mule headed to church and store.
Nancy McCann 2009 at her 108th Birthday
Dennis Paul Jarrell
Earnest Odell Jarrell Family Tree at Family Search.
What you do not see is that Odell was married twice. First to Reena Jean Thompson a 17 year old, Odell being 26. She was a daughter of Wayne and Stella Thompson. They were married 10 April, 1945. The couple had two daughters before they divorced. Odell then married La Donna and Ernie's mom Sandra Kay Shanks in the late 1960's.
The grassy spot atop the island in the sky is the old Jarrell Cemetery where so many of our Jarrell kin are laid to rest, Dennis was not fond of COAL even though so many of his family grew up in the mines and died young as a result. His brother Odell began in the mines officially at age 14.
Dennis Paul Jarrell was born June 22, 1936 in Twilght, the youngest son of his Father John Sullivan Jarrell and Roma Nelson Jarrell. Uncle Dennis passed in Lawndale, NC on August 9, 2006. He was heck of a musician and often kept La Donna and Ernie Jarrell well entertained and loved them both dearly.
Those Interred on Jarrell Mountain
Jarrell Cemetery, Twilight, WV when still fully intact before Massey Coal dismembered the family using mountain top removal.
Jarrell Cemetery, Twilight, WV when still fully intact before Massey Coal dismembered the family using mountain top removal.
Jarrell Cemetery, Twilight, WV when still fully intact before Massey Coal dismembered the family using mountain top removal.