Fitz forms a prefix to patronymic surnames of Anglo-Norman origin. This usage erives from the Norman fiz (from French fils, Latin filius), meaning "son of", which was coupled with the name of the father (e.g. Fitz Gilbert, meaning "son of Gilbert"), although there are exceptions in which the name of a more noteworthy mother (Fitz Wymarch), or parent's title (Fitz Count, Fitz Empress) was instead used.