The surname Getty is of Old Norse origin, derived from the given name "Gauti." It was initially brought to England by Viking settlers and later Anglicized to its current form. Notable individuals with the surname Getty include the wealthy American oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty, founder of the Getty Oil Company.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Getty
The surname Getty is an Anglo-Saxon name, originally derived from the Old English word "gete," which means "shepherd." It is a common occupational surname that originated during the Middle Ages when people were often identified by their profession. The family's most famous member is the oil magnate J. Paul Getty, who founded the Getty Oil Company and became one of the richest men in history. Born in 1892, he amassed his fortune primarily through the discovery and exploitation of oil reserves in California and other parts of the world. The Getty family name is also associated with the Getty Museum, a renowned art institution in Los Angeles, and the Getty Trust, a leading philanthropic organization that supports various artistic and cultural initiatives.
Geographical distribution of the last name Getty
The surname Getty is predominantly associated with Great Britain and Ireland, particularly in England's North West region, specifically in Lancashire and Cheshire counties, as well as parts of Yorkshire. It is also prevalent in Northern Ireland, with a significant concentration in County Antrim. The name has its roots traced back to the Middle Ages when it was derived from various places named 'Getty' or 'Gaitie', which means 'enclosure' or 'goat pasture'. Over time, emigration and migration have spread the Getty family lineage across North America, particularly in the United States, where notable individuals bearing this name can be found in states like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas. The Gettys are also present in Australia and South Africa due to historical colonization and immigration events.
Variants and spellings of the last name Getty
The surname Getty has several variants and spellings due to historical spelling differences, migration patterns, and personal preferences. Some common variants include Gettye, Getee, Gety, and Getye, which are phonetic variations of the original name. Additionally, there may be regional or cultural differences in spelling, such as in Scotland where it could be spelled as MacGetty or McGettie due to Gaelic influences. Similarly, immigrants from different countries might have altered the spelling slightly to fit local linguistic norms upon arrival. For example, a family of Irish origin may have anglicized the name to Getlie or Getley. Another variant could be Gitto, which is an Italian adaptation of the surname. These variations highlight the diverse history and migrations of families named Getty over time.
Famous people with the last name Getty
The Getty family is renowned for their significant contributions in art, philanthropy, and business. One of the most prominent members is Jean Paul Getty (1892-1976), an American industrial tycoon who founded Getty Oil Company. He was ranked as one of the richest people in the world at the time of his death. His grandson, J. Paul Getty III (b. 1950), also made headlines due to his high-profile kidnapping in Italy during the 1970s. Another notable figure is John Paul Getty Jr. (1932-2011), who played a crucial role in expanding the family's art collection, founding the J. Paul Getty Museum. His son, Timothy Getty (b. 1955), is also an art collector and philanthropist, known for his extensive contributions to conservation and education. Lastly, Ann Getty (1920-2020), was a significant art patron and philanthropist in her own right, heavily involved in the San Francisco arts scene.
Genealogical research on the last name Getty
The Getty family is a prominent British-American dynasty of art collectors and oil magnates, with roots tracing back to Scotland in the early 16th century. The surname Getty originated from Geddes, a small town in East Lothian, Scotland. The first known ancestor bearing the name was John Geddy, who lived in the late 1400s. The family later migrated to Ulster, Ireland, where Sir Robert Geddes, a Scottish baronet, settled around 1630.
One of the most notable descendants is James Getty, an 18th-century shipbuilder and merchant from County Antrim, Ireland. His grandson, George Franklin Getty, emigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century and founded the Getty Oil Company, leading to significant wealth and prominence for his family.
Notable members of the Getty family include Jean Paul Getty, an American industrialist, philanthropist, and founder of the Getty Oil Trust; J. Paul Getty Jr., a prominent art collector, and Gordon Getty, an American composer and philanthropist. The Getty dynasty is also associated with significant cultural institutions like the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Getty Research Institute.
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