yes - Fitzsimmons is more Protestant spelling. Actually the name Protestant came from England, as they the Cromwell crew took it over and Fitzsimmons is an english name. There are Fitzsimons in Cavan, my parent are from then 1st gen.

Of course in Irish classes we get told Fitzsimons in from the viking days, son of a king, so king Simons, remember Ireland was used a lot in Viking days when they could not set up a base in England.

So If you records say you were a Fitzsimons back in ye old day, think of the fact in those days, it was down to the local preist to decide who to spell it and most people were just farmers, so if a priest spelt it their way - there was no one around to correct it. As a Irish Catholic and a Fitzsimons, if i meet an US Fitzsimmons - no worries - blame the bad spelling back in great great days.


Paul (now in Toronto)