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Last Name Altman

What is the origin of the last name Altman?

The surname "Altman" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "alt," meaning "old" or "elder," and "man," meaning "man" or "person." Therefore, "Altman" can be interpreted to mean "old man" or "elderly person." It is a common occupational or descriptive surname used to refer to someone who was respected or revered as an elder or an older person in their community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Altman

The meaning and origin of the last name Altman

The surname Altman has German-Jewish origin. It is a compound surname, derived from the combination of two elements: "alt" and "mann". "Alt" means "old" in German, while "mann" translates to "man". Therefore, Altman can be interpreted as "old man" or "elderly man" in English. The name likely originated as a nickname for a patriarch or an individual with a respected status within the community due to their older age. It could have also been given to distinguish between two or more individuals with the same given name. The Altman surname can be found among Jewish communities across various regions, including Germany, Poland, and Russia. Over time, many individuals with this surname migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, contributing to its spread and distinctiveness as a family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Altman

The last name Altman has a widespread geographical distribution across various countries. In the United States, it is most common in states like New York, California, Illinois, and Florida, where many Jewish immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Altman can also be found in significant numbers in countries like Germany, where it is considered a German-Jewish surname. Other European countries such as Poland, Austria, and Russia have smaller clusters of individuals with the Altman last name, usually indicating Jewish ancestry. As Jewish migration and dispersion occurred over the years, Altman can be found in countries outside Europe and the United States. Canada, Australia, and Argentina also have noticeable populations of individuals with the Altman surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Altman reflects the historical movement and settlement patterns of Jewish communities across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Altman

The last name Altman has a few variations and spellings throughout history. One variation is the spelling "Altmann," which is commonly found among individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish roots. Another variation is "Altumann," which incorporates an additional 'n' at the end. This spelling may have originated as a result of regional dialects or personal preferences. Additionally, the last name can be found with different spellings such as "Altmon" or "Altmen," where the final 'a' is replaced with 'o' or 'e.' These variations could have come about due to clerical errors, regional accents, or simply a need to differentiate oneself from others with the same surname. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Altman reflect both historical and individual factors that have shaped and evolved the name over time.

Famous people with the last name Altman

Robert Altman was a renowned American film director and screenwriter, known for his distinctive filmmaking style. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with classics like M*A*S*H and Nashville, which earned him critical acclaim and several Academy Award nominations. Altman's ability to create complex narratives with ensemble casts made him a pioneer in the industry. He continued to produce a plethora of influential films throughout his career, including The Player, Gosford Park, and Short Cuts. In addition to his success in film, Altman also ventured into the world of theater, directing productions like Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and Fool for Love. His unique approach to storytelling, filled with overlapping dialogue and naturalistic performances, has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, making Robert Altman an iconic figure in the Hollywood industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Altman

The surname Altman has its roots in Germany and derives from the medieval given name "Altmann," which means "old man" in German. The Altman family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the region of Bavaria. They were likely part of the noble class or upper-middle class during that time. The name Altman is associated with individuals who were respected elders or advisors within their communities. Over time, the Altman family spread to various parts of Europe and eventually migrated to other parts of the world, particularly the United States and Canada. Today, there are numerous branches of the Altman family scattered across different continents, each with its unique history and contributions to society. Genealogical research on the last name Altman can uncover a wealth of information regarding individual family members, their heritage, and their connections to different regions and cultures.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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