Germanic tribes were established in Scandinavia (Denmark) and between the Elbe and Oder Rivers as early as the second millennium, B.C. (4,000 years ago). Many years later, a part of that group, the Vikings or North-Men, had settled much of the lower Rhine valley. In time, the North-men became known as Normans and their lands were called Normandie.
An early leader of that group was Rolf. The "sons" or descendants of Rolf were known in Latin as Filii Ranulf, or Sons of Rolf. In the machinations of language, the phrase Filii Ranulf evolved into Fitz Ranulf or Fitz Randall.
As descendants of the early conqueror, they became the noblemen of Normandie and were eventually with William, Prince of Normandie, when he conquered England in 1066.
The remaining Celts, the Angles and the Saxons became the common people of England and the Normans became the aristocracy. Many of them were kin to the King by a common genealogy and to them was entrusted the governing of England.
In time, some came to the American colonies. Even as late as the 17th century they spelled their name variously as Fitzrandle, Fittsrendolfe and Fittsrandolfs.
About the time of our Revolution, George III sent his kinsman, Edmund FitzRandolph, to the colonies to enforce the collection of taxes. He became notorious in his ruthlessness and was eventually tarred and feathered and shipped back to England.
Many of our ancestors began dropping the "Fitz" from their names less they become associated with this man. Many retained the initial F however, as part of their name and to tie in with the old tradition.
The family came first to New England but gradually settled more in New Jersey.
For an early history, see Dr. Edward Mayes two-part account.
Our (Fitz-)Randolphs of New Jersey are an entirely different line from the Randolphs of Virginia.
Our modern history begins with our immigrant ancestor Edward FitzRandolph, his wife Elizabeth Blossom and their descendants.