The phrase "old money" refers to families who have accumulated wealth over several generations. These families are often associated with prestige and social status. This article will take a look at some of the most common old money last names in the United States and Europe.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the prominence of old money families. These include factors such as intergenerational wealth, social connections, and business acumen. Old money families often have a long history of involvement in business and finance, and they tend to have close ties to other wealthy and influential families.
While there is no definitive list of old money last names, there are a number of names that are commonly associated with wealth and privilege. These names include names such as Astor, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Carnegie. These families have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their names are synonymous with wealth and power.
Old Money Last Names
Names associated with wealth and prestige.
- Astor
- Vanderbilt
- Rockefeller
- Morgan
- Carnegie
- Du Pont
- Mellon
- Forbes
- Walton
Often associated with intergenerational wealth and social status.
Astor
The Astor family is one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the early 19th century, when John Jacob Astor made a fortune in the fur trade. Astor's son, William Backhouse Astor, expanded the family's fortune through investments in real estate and other businesses.
The Astors were known for their lavish lifestyle and their philanthropy. They built some of the most opulent mansions in New York City, including the Astor House and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. They also donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions.
The Astor family's wealth and influence began to decline in the early 20th century. However, they remain one of the most recognizable old money families in the United States. Today, the Astor family is still involved in business and philanthropy, and their name is synonymous with wealth and prestige.
Some notable members of the Astor family include:
- John Jacob Astor (1763-1848): Fur trader and businessman who founded the Astor family fortune.
- William Backhouse Astor (1792-1875): Son of John Jacob Astor who expanded the family's fortune through investments in real estate and other businesses.
- Caroline Astor (1830-1908): Wife of William Backhouse Astor who was known as the "Mrs. Astor" of New York society.
- John Jacob Astor IV (1864-1912): Son of William Backhouse Astor who died in the sinking of the Titanic.
- Vincent Astor (1891-1959): Son of John Jacob Astor IV who was a philanthropist and art collector.
The Astor family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Astors have played a major role in shaping the history of New York City and the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and prestige today.
Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt family is another one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the early 19th century, when Cornelius Vanderbilt made a fortune in shipping and railroads.
- Shipping and Railroads: Cornelius Vanderbilt made his fortune in the shipping and railroad industries. He started out as a ferryboat operator, and eventually built a shipping empire that dominated the East Coast. He also invested heavily in railroads, and became one of the most powerful railroad magnates in the United States.
- Wealth and Extravagance: The Vanderbilts were known for their lavish lifestyle and their extravagant spending. They built some of the most opulent mansions in the United States, including the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island. They also hosted lavish parties and events, and were known for their philanthropy.
- Philanthropy: The Vanderbilts were also known for their philanthropy. They donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions, including hospitals, universities, and museums. They also supported the arts, and were patrons of many artists and musicians.
- Decline of the Vanderbilt Fortune: The Vanderbilt fortune began to decline in the early 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the rise of the automobile and the decline of the railroad industry. However, the Vanderbilts remain one of the most recognizable old money families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and prestige.
The Vanderbilt family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Vanderbilts played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and prestige today.
Rockefeller
The Rockefeller family is one of the most famous and influential old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the late 19th century, when John D. Rockefeller made a fortune in the oil industry.
- Standard Oil: John D. Rockefeller made his fortune in the oil industry. He founded the Standard Oil Company, which eventually became one of the largest and most powerful companies in the world. Rockefeller was known for his ruthless business practices, and he was often accused of being a monopolist.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Rockefellers were known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. John D. Rockefeller was one of the richest men in the world, and he donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions. The Rockefeller Foundation, which he founded in 1913, is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the world.
- Political Influence: The Rockefellers also had a significant amount of political influence. John D. Rockefeller's son, Nelson Rockefeller, served as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford. Other members of the Rockefeller family have also held high-ranking positions in government and politics.
- Decline of the Rockefeller Fortune: The Rockefeller fortune began to decline in the early 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the breakup of Standard Oil and the rise of new competitors in the oil industry. However, the Rockefellers remain one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power.
The Rockefeller family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Rockefellers have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Morgan
The Morgan family is another one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the early 19th century, when Junius Spencer Morgan made a fortune in banking.
- Banking and Finance: The Morgans made their fortune in banking and finance. Junius Spencer Morgan founded the banking firm J.P. Morgan & Co., which eventually became one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world. The Morgans also played a major role in the development of the American railroad system.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Morgans were known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. J.P. Morgan was one of the richest men in the world, and he donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions. The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City is one of the most important cultural institutions in the United States.
- Political Influence: The Morgans also had a significant amount of political influence. J.P. Morgan was a close advisor to several presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Other members of the Morgan family have also held high-ranking positions in government and politics.
- Decline of the Morgan Fortune: The Morgan fortune began to decline in the early 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the breakup of J.P. Morgan & Co. and the rise of new competitors in the financial industry. However, the Morgans remain one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power.
The Morgan family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Morgans have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Carnegie
The Carnegie family is another one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the late 19th century, when Andrew Carnegie made a fortune in the steel industry.
Carnegie was a Scottish immigrant who came to the United States in 1848. He started out as a bobbin boy in a textile mill, but he eventually worked his way up to become one of the most powerful industrialists in the world. Carnegie was known for his ruthless business practices, but he was also a generous philanthropist.
Carnegie's fortune was based on the Carnegie Steel Company, which he founded in 1875. Carnegie Steel was one of the largest and most successful steel companies in the world. In 1901, Carnegie sold Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan for $480 million, which was the largest business transaction in history at the time.
After selling Carnegie Steel, Carnegie devoted himself to philanthropy. He donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions, including libraries, universities, and museums. The Carnegie Corporation of New York, which he founded in 1911, is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the world.
The Carnegie family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Carnegies have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Du Pont
The Du Pont family is one of the oldest and wealthiest families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the early 19th century, when Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours founded the gunpowder company E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
- Gunpowder and Chemicals: The Du Pont family made their fortune in the gunpowder and chemicals industries. Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours founded E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company in 1802. The company initially produced gunpowder, but it eventually expanded into other chemicals, such as explosives, dyes, and plastics.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Du Ponts were known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. They were one of the richest families in the United States, and they donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions. The Du Pont family also played a major role in the development of the state of Delaware.
- Political Influence: The Du Ponts also had a significant amount of political influence. Several members of the family have served in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The Du Ponts were also major supporters of the Republican Party.
- Decline of the Du Pont Fortune: The Du Pont fortune began to decline in the late 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the rise of new competitors in the chemicals industry and a series of legal challenges. However, the Du Ponts remain one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power.
The Du Pont family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Du Ponts have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Mellon
The Mellon family is another one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the late 19th century, when Thomas Mellon made a fortune in banking and industry.
- Banking and Industry: The Mellons made their fortune in banking and industry. Thomas Mellon founded the Mellon Bank, which eventually became one of the largest banks in the United States. The Mellons also had interests in a number of other industries, including aluminum, oil, and coal.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Mellons were known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. Andrew W. Mellon, the son of Thomas Mellon, was one of the richest men in the world. The Mellons donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions, including museums, universities, and hospitals. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the United States.
- Political Influence: The Mellons also had a significant amount of political influence. Andrew W. Mellon served as Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover. Other members of the Mellon family have also held high-ranking positions in government and politics.
- Decline of the Mellon Fortune: The Mellon fortune began to decline in the late 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the breakup of the Mellon Bank and the rise of new competitors in the banking and industry sectors. However, the Mellons remain one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power.
The Mellon family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Mellons have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Forbes
The Forbes family is another one of the most prominent old money families in the United States. Their wealth dates back to the late 19th century, when John Forbes made a fortune in publishing.
- Publishing: The Forbes family made their fortune in publishing. John Forbes founded the business magazine Forbes in 1917. Forbes quickly became one of the most successful business magazines in the United States, and it remains so today. The Forbes family also has interests in a number of other publishing ventures, including books, websites, and conferences.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Forbes family is known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. Malcolm Forbes, the son of John Forbes, was one of the richest men in the world. The Forbes family has donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions, including museums, universities, and hospitals. The Forbes Foundation is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the United States.
- Political Influence: The Forbes family also has a significant amount of political influence. Malcolm Forbes was a close advisor to several presidents, including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Other members of the Forbes family have also held high-ranking positions in government and politics.
- Decline of the Forbes Fortune: The Forbes fortune began to decline in the late 20th century. This was due to a number of factors, including the rise of new competitors in the publishing industry and the decline of the print media industry. However, the Forbes family remains one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power.
The Forbes family is a fascinating example of an old money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Forbeses have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is still synonymous with wealth and power today.
Walton
The Walton family is the richest family in the United States, and one of the wealthiest families in the world. Their wealth is based on the success of Walmart, the world's largest retailer.
- Walmart: The Walton family made their fortune through Walmart, the retail giant founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Walmart quickly became the largest retailer in the United States, and it continues to grow today. The Walton family owns a majority stake in Walmart, and they receive billions of dollars in dividends each year.
- Wealth and Philanthropy: The Walton family is known for their immense wealth and their philanthropy. Sam Walton was one of the richest men in the world, and his heirs are even wealthier. The Walton family has donated large sums of money to various charities and institutions, including museums, universities, and hospitals. The Walton Family Foundation is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the United States.
- Political Influence: The Walton family also has a significant amount of political influence. The Waltons are major donors to both the Republican and Democratic parties. They have also been involved in a number of political controversies, including the debate over raising the minimum wage.
- Decline of the Walton Fortune: It is unlikely that the Walton fortune will decline anytime soon. Walmart is a very successful company, and the Walton family owns a majority stake in the company. However, the Walton family's wealth could be affected by changes in the retail industry, such as the rise of online shopping.
The Walton family is a fascinating example of a new money family. Their story is one of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The Waltons have played a major role in shaping the history of the United States, and their name is synonymous with wealth and power today.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about old money last names:
Question 1: What are some of the most common old money last names?
Answer: Some of the most common old money last names in the United States include Astor, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Morgan, Carnegie, Du Pont, Mellon, Forbes, and Walton.
Question 2: How did these families acquire their wealth?
Answer: The old money families acquired their wealth in a variety of ways, including through business, industry, banking, and philanthropy.
Question 3: Are these families still wealthy today?
Answer: Many of the old money families are still wealthy today, although their fortunes may have declined somewhat in recent years.
Question 4: Do these families have any political influence?
Answer: Some of the old money families have a significant amount of political influence. For example, the Rockefellers and Mellons have both produced high-ranking government officials.
Question 5: Do these families still have a major impact on society?
Answer: The old money families continue to have a major impact on society through their philanthropy and their business interests.
Question 6: Are there any books or movies about these families?
Answer: There are a number of books and movies about the old money families. Some popular examples include the book "The House of Morgan" by Ron Chernow and the movie "The Wolf of Wall Street" by Martin Scorsese.
Question 7: Can anyone become an old money family?
Answer: It is very difficult to become an old money family. It takes generations of wealth and privilege to achieve this status.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about old money last names. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some additional tips for learning more about old money last names:
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about old money last names:
Tip 1: Read books and articles about old money families.
There are a number of books and articles that have been written about old money families. These books and articles can provide you with a wealth of information about the history, wealth, and influence of these families.
Tip 2: Watch documentaries and movies about old money families.
There are also a number of documentaries and movies that have been made about old money families. These documentaries and movies can give you a glimpse into the lives of these families and how they have shaped history.
Tip 3: Visit museums and historical sites associated with old money families.
Many old money families have donated their homes, estates, and other properties to museums and historical sites. Visiting these places can give you a sense of the wealth and opulence of these families.
Tip 4: Talk to people who know about old money families.
If you know anyone who is familiar with old money families, ask them about their knowledge. They may be able to share some interesting stories and insights.
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These are just a few tips for learning more about old money last names. By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history, wealth, and influence of these families.
Now that you know more about old money last names, you can use this information to impress your friends and family. You can also use this information to better understand the history of the United States and the world.
Conclusion
Old money last names are a fascinating topic that can tell us a lot about the history of the United States and the world. The families associated with these names have played a major role in shaping the world we live in today.
In this article, we have explored some of the most common old money last names and the families behind them. We have also discussed the factors that contribute to the prominence of these families, such as intergenerational wealth, social connections, and business acumen.
It is important to note that old money families are not without their critics. Some people argue that these families are too wealthy and powerful, and that they have too much influence over society. Others argue that old money families are a valuable part of society, and that they provide stability and leadership.
Ultimately, whether or not you believe that old money families are a good thing is a matter of personal opinion. However, there is no denying that these families have played a major role in shaping the world we live in today.
Closing Message
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this article informative and interesting. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.