Tomás Garrigue Masaryk.

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk Tomáš Jan Masaryk

Born 7 Mar 1850 Hodonín, Czech Republic

Died 14 Sep 1937 Lány, Czech Republic

Citizenship Austria

7 min read

Reading time

1,349

Words

Jun 23, 2026

Published

Film credits

Books

Awards

TL;DR

Tomás Garrigue Masaryk became the first president of Czechoslovakia on 14 November 1918, serving until 14 December 1935. He was born to Terezie Masaryková and Jozef Maszárik in Hodonín, Moravia, and studied at the University of Vienna. He is often called TGM.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Tomás Garrigue Masaryk — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Tomáš Jan Masaryk

Native Name Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Nicknames TGM

Aliases Thomas Masaryk

Parents: Terezie Masaryková Jozef Maszárik
Spouses: Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk
Children: Alice Masaryková Herbert Masaryk Jan Masaryk Olga Masaryková
Siblings: Ludvík Masaryk

At a glance.

STATS

Tomás Garrigue Masaryk by the numbers — life, work, and family.

87 Years lived

2 Film credits

4 Books

35 Awards

1 Marriage

4 Children

Who was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk?

BIOGRAPHY

Tomás Garrigue Masaryk — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

On 7 March 1850, Tomás Garrigue Masaryk was born in Hodonín, Moravia, part of the Austrian Empire. His father Jozef Maszárik worked as a coachman, while his mother Terezie Masaryková was a cook. His early education at the Akademisches Gymnasium and later at the University of Vienna shaped his path toward leadership.

Career

Masaryk’s career culminated in his election as the first president of Czechoslovakia on 14 November 1918. He served for 17 years until 14 December 1935. Before the presidency, he was a philosopher and politician.

Personal life

Masaryk married Charlotte Garrigue on 15 March 1878. She was an American-born woman whose surname he adopted as his own middle name. Together they had four children: Alice Masaryková, Herbert Masaryk, Jan Masaryk, and Olga Masaryková. Jan Masaryk later became a notable diplomat.

Legacy

Masaryk’s legacy includes honorary citizenships in over 30 cities, including Prague, Brno, and Tel Aviv. He was awarded orders such as the Order of the White Eagle and the Order of the Chrysanthemum. His role as the first president of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935 defines his historical importance.

Filmography.

FILMS · 2

The complete filmography of Tomás Garrigue Masaryk — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

Movie

Za Svobodu Národa

1920

Movie

Milan Rastislav ŠTefánik

2019

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 35

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Tomás Garrigue Masaryk — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

honorary citizen of Strakonice
honorary citizen of Třebíč
Order of the Star of Karađorđe
honorary doctorate from the University of Strasbourg
doctor honoris causa from the University of Paris
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
honorary citizen of Prague
honorary doctor of Protestant Theological Faculty – Charles University
Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III
Order of the Elephant
Order of the White Eagle
Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer
Order of the Three Stars, 1st Class
Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Grand Cross of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword
honorary citizen of Moravské Budějovice
1st Class of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle
honorary citizen of Brno
honorary citizen of Kladno
honorary citizen of Nové Město na Moravě
honorary citizen of České Budějovice
honorary citizen of Kopřivnice
honorary citizen of Nové Město nad Metují
honorary citizen of Polná
honorary citizen of Žamberk
Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
Order of the Chrysanthemum
Order of the Netherlands Lion
Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
Order of Saint Michael and Saint George
Order of the White Elephant
Order of Muhammad Ali
honorary citizenship
honorary citizen of Chrudim
honorary citizen of Tel Aviv

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 4

Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Russland Und Europa

by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Amazon

Gespräche Mit Masaryk

by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk et al.

Amazon

Making of a State

by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Amazon

The Meaning of Czech History

by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Did you know?

FACTS · 2

Little-known facts about Tomás Garrigue Masaryk — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He was the father of Jan Masaryk, a notable diplomat.
Served as the first president of Czechoslovakia from 14 November 1918 to 14 December 1935.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 31

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Tomás Garrigue Masaryk.

When was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk born?

Tomás Garrigue Masaryk was born on 7 March 1850. This date marks the arrival of the future first president of Czechoslovakia in Hodonín, Moravia.
Where was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk born?

He was born in Hodonín, Moravia, then part of the Austrian Empire. Today Hodonín is located in the Czech Republic.
When did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk die?

Masaryk died on 14 September 1937 at the age of 87. His death occurred in Lány, Czechoslovakia.
How old was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk when he died?

He was 87 years old at the time of his death on 14 September 1937. He had been born on 7 March 1850.
Where did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk die?

He died in Lány, Czechoslovakia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. The town is known for the Lány Castle, where Masaryk resided.
What is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's real name?

His birth name was Tomáš Jan Masaryk. He later adopted Garrigue in honor of his wife’s maiden name.
What is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's name in their native language?

In Czech, his name is Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. He is often referred to by the nickname TGM.
What nationality is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk?

Masaryk held Austrian citizenship at birth. After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, he became a Czechoslovak citizen.
What language did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk speak?

His native language was Czech. He was also proficient in German and other languages.
Who are Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's parents?

His parents were Terezie Masaryková and Jozef Maszárik. His father was a coachman and his mother a cook.
Who was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk married to?

He married Charlotte Garrigue on 15 March 1878. She was an American-born woman, and Masaryk added her surname to his own.
Did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk have children?

Yes, he had four children: Alice Masaryková, Herbert Masaryk, Jan Masaryk, and Olga Masaryková. Jan became a prominent diplomat.
Did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk have any siblings?

He had one sibling, a brother named Ludvík Masaryk. Details about their relationship are not widely documented.
Where did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk go to school?

He attended the Akademisches Gymnasium and later studied at the University of Vienna. His education helped shape his intellectual career.
What awards did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk win?

Masaryk received many honors, including the Order of the Elephant, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and numerous honorary citizenships. He was also granted honorary doctorates from the University of Strasbourg and the University of Paris.
How many awards did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk win?

He received at least 36 major awards, including orders, decorations, and honorary citizenships from various countries.
Why was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk known by the nickname TGM?

TGM stands for Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. The initials became a common shorthand for the president, much like FDR in the United States.
In what contexts did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk use the name Thomas Masaryk?

He was sometimes called Thomas Masaryk in English-language contexts. This anglicized version of his first name appears in some publications.
Was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk married?

Yes, he was married to Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk from 15 March 1878 until her death on 13 May 1923. Their marriage was a partnership that influenced his political work.
When did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk become president?

He became the first president of Czechoslovakia on 14 November 1918, shortly after the country’s independence. He served until 14 December 1935.
How long did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk serve as president?

He served for 17 years, from 14 November 1918 to 14 December 1935. This made him the longest-serving Czechoslovak president.
Who was Jan Masaryk's father?

Jan Masaryk’s father was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. Jan followed his father into diplomacy and politics.
What honor did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk receive from Tel Aviv?

He was made an honorary citizen of Tel Aviv, reflecting his support for Jewish causes. This honor is listed among his many awards.
Did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk have a doctorate?

He earned a doctorate from the University of Vienna and later received honorary doctorates from the University of Strasbourg and the University of Paris.
What was Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's role in Czechoslovak independence?

As the first president of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935, Masaryk was a key figure in the establishment and early leadership of the new nation.
How many children did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk have?

He had four children: Alice, Herbert, Jan, and Olga. Jan Masaryk became the most famous, serving as foreign minister.
What is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk's connection to the Order of the White Eagle?

He was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, one of Poland’s highest honors, recognizing his contributions to Polish-Czech relations.
Why is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk called 'Garrigue'?

He adopted his wife’s maiden name Garrigue as a middle name to honor her. Charlotte Garrigue was American-born.
Where is Tomás Garrigue Masaryk buried?

He is buried in Lány, the town where he died, in a cemetery near Lány Castle. His grave is a national monument.
What is the significance of the nickname TGM?

TGM stands for Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. It was widely used in Czech society to refer to the president with respect and familiarity.
Did Tomás Garrigue Masaryk have a religious affiliation?

Masaryk was a philosopher and often critical of organized religion, though he was raised Catholic. He advocated for a secular state.

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Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on June 23, 2026

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