Last Name Garrity

The last name Garrity is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Gairbhi, which means "descendant of Gairbh," where "Gairbh" is a personal name meaning "rough" or "rugged." The Garrity clan was historically associated with County Tyrone and County Derry in present-day Northern Ireland. Over time, descendants of the clan spread across various regions of Ireland and further afield, leading to the surname Garrity being found in different parts of the world today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Garrity

The meaning and origin of the last name Garrity

The surname Garrity is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name O'Garachtain, which means "descendant of Garachtán." The name itself is derived from the word "garach," meaning "rough" or "rugged." The Garrity family is believed to have originated from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Like many Irish surnames, the specific migration patterns of the Garrity clan are difficult to trace due to historical events like the Great Famine and forced evictions. However, it is known that many individuals with the surname Garrity emigrated to the United States, particularly during the 19th century, in search of better economic opportunities and to escape political turmoil. Today, individuals with the surname Garrity can be found across the world, although it remains more commonly associated with Irish ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Garrity

The surname "Garrity" is primarily found in Ireland and the United States. In Ireland, it is considered to be of Gaelic origin and is more common in Northern Ireland. Counties such as Tyrone, Antrim, and Derry have a higher concentration of individuals with the Garrity surname. This is likely due to the historical migration patterns of the Irish people, with many families settling in these regions. In the United States, the distribution of the Garrity surname is more widespread. It is particularly prevalent in states with large Irish-American populations, such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Many Irish immigrants arrived in these areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better opportunities and contributing to the growth of these communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Garrity surname reflects the historical migration patterns of the Irish diaspora, with concentrations in Ireland and areas with significant Irish populations in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Garrity

The last name Garrity has a number of variations and spellings that have emerged over the years. Some common variations include Garretti, Garretti, Gerretty, Geriety, Garraty, Geroty, Garity, and Garrittey. These variations can be attributed to different factors, such as regional dialects, pronunciation differences, and even clerical errors that occurred during the documentation of names. Additionally, various individuals may have chosen to alter the spelling of their surname for personal or cultural reasons. It is not uncommon to see different spellings of a name within the same family or even across different generations. Despite the variations, all these spellings typically trace their origins back to the original Irish surname Garrachtaigh, which means "descendant of the offspring of fear" in Gaelic. Today, members of the Garrity family with any of these variations can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with significant Irish diaspora populations.

Famous people with the last name Garrity

One famous individual with the last name Garrity is Pat Garrity. A retired professional basketball player, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for ten seasons from 1998 to 2008. Garrity was known for his shooting skills and primarily played as a forward for the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic. During his career, he achieved several notable milestones, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1999. Additionally, Garrity represented the United States in international competition, winning a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in 1999. Apart from sports, there are other individuals with the last name Garrity who have achieved fame in various fields but might not be as widely known.

Genealogical research on the last name Garrity

The genealogical research on the last name Garrity traces back to Ireland. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name O Gairbith, meaning "descendant of Garbhith," which in turn means "rough" or "rugged." The Garrity family is thought to have originated in County Donegal, particularly in the northern areas of Fanad and Inishowen. From here, various branches of the family spread across neighboring counties such as Tyrone and Derry. They were primarily a farming family and were often associated with the land they worked on. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Garritys began to emigrate, mainly to North America, seeking better opportunities and to escape the difficult conditions in Ireland. Many settled in the United States, particularly in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Over time, they became an integral part of the Irish-American community, contributing to various fields such as politics, education, and business. Today, the Garrity name continues to be carried on by descendants around the world, proudly connecting them to their rich Irish heritage.

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