Ottey

Ottey is a surname of English-language origin. It is relatively uncommon and occurs in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, often through migration. Variants of the name include Otey and Otty, and spellings can vary in historical records. There are no widely recognized places or organizations named Ottey.

The best-known bearer of the name is Merlene Ottey (born 1960), a Jamaican sprinter who later acquired Slovenian citizenship. Ottey is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished female track athletes, with a career spanning nearly two decades and featuring numerous Olympic appearances and World Championship medals. She is noted for longevity and consistency across sprint events.

Beyond Merlene Ottey, the surname is relatively uncommon, and there are few individuals with widespread notability bearing the name. Consequently, reference materials primarily identify Ottey through Merlene, with limited biographical entries for others.

Variant spellings such as Otey and Otty appear in related surname lineages, reflecting shifts in transcription and regional usage.