Show ContentsGarty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Irish name Garty was originally written in a Gaelic form as Mag Oireachtaigh, which is derived from the word "oireachtach," referring to a member of an assembly. Translating the name into English produces no less than seventeen different synonyms. But the origin of the name is most intriguing. In the 12th century, the name was simply Ó Roduibh but a Oireachtach Ó Roduibh at that time caused the name to be shortened to Oireachtach, their present form.

Early Origins of the Garty family

The surname Garty was first found in counties Roscommon and Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they were one of the Hi Maine Septs in Kelly's country. They were direct descendants of the O'Connors, Kings of Connacht, and the Chief of the Clann was one of the four royal chiefs under the O'Connor. 1 The tree on the Coat of Arms illustrates their descendancy from the O'Connors.

Early History of the Garty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garty research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1585, 1598 and 1744 are included under the topic Early Garty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Garty Spelling Variations

Many different spelling variations of the surname Garty existed in the archives researched since ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced. The result is that a single person being recorded under several different spellings appears to be many different people. Different spellings that were found including Gerrity, Gerty, Gerighty, Gerighaty, Gerety, Gerahty, Garraty, Geraty, Jerety, McGerity, MacGeraghty, MacGartie, MacGarty and many more.

Early Notables of the Garty family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Garty Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Garty family

Thousands of Irish families immigrated to North America over the 18th and 19th centuries. The initial migrants carved out farms in the landscape or helped build cities by establishing businesses or offering the services of their specific trade. These modestly well off settlers differed from the Irish immigrants that would cross the Atlantic as a result of the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. These later immigrants were literally living on their hopes and prayers. They often left their disease and poverty-stricken homeland in search of opportunities that were unavailable to them in Ireland. When the Irish migrated to North America they proved themselves invaluable to its speedy development, and provided the continent with a unique portion of heritage. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Garty: Robert Gerity who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1858; Patrick Gerrity, also Peter and Phillip, all arrived in the 1860's; Sally McGarty arrived in New York State in 1847.


Contemporary Notables of the name Garty (post 1700) +

  • Neta Garty (b. 1980), Israeli actress, known for Turn Left at the End of the World (2004), Love Life (2007) and The Arbitrator (2007)


  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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