Surname Altehans - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Altehans: What does the surname Altehans mean?
The last name Altehans is of German origin with the meaning “old Han(s)”. It is derived from the popular German given name “Hans”, which is a shortened form of “Heinrich” or “Johannes”. The spelling of the surname can vary slightly depending on the region of Germany from which the family stems. Over time, it has become altered to Altehans, Alt Ehans, Alt-Ehans, Alt-Eihans, AltAhans and many other variations.
The Altehans family name is associated with many different areas of Germany, however, it is most commonly found in the northern part of the country around the city of Hamburg. Research indicates that the surname dates back to the 17th century in the region and was used by many prominent families at the time. It is likely that the name came to be as a result of the many Hans's living in the area, eventually transforming into Altehans.
Over time, this German surname became more widely used, resulting in many Altehans families to be found all over the world. Those who bear the last name often feel proud to be part of this large extended family, noting that their ancestors had lived in Germany for centuries. Today, the Altehans name is both a tribute to the family’s heritage as well as a reminder of the impact their ancestors had on the world.
Order DNA origin analysisAltehans: Where does the name Altehans come from?
The last name Altehans is a German surname, and can be found primarily in Germany, as well as other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. It is also common in other European countries with German-speaking populations, such as Belgium, Poland, and parts of Russia.
In addition to Europe, the surname has spread to Canada, where it can be found in significant numbers with German-speaking immigrant populations. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have also seen the surname in varying amounts since the mid- to late-1800s. In the United States, there are several thousand people with the Altehans surname, with the majority of them living in states in the eastern and midwestern regions such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The surname was likely first used by people who lived in the village of Altehans, located in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. It is derived from the Middle Low German words "alte" (old) and "hands" (hands), which literally translates into Old Hands, referencing a beloved ancestor of the family.
The Altehans surname is not as common today as it was in the past, although it still has significant representation in many parts of the world. As Germany and other European countries modernise and the number of people carrying the surname dwindles, the last name’s modern presence can also be found in areas where the surname has spread and been anglicised, such as Altman and Altmanns.
Variations of the surname Altehans
The surname Altehans is mostly found in North America, and its variants and other spellings can be traced back to Germany. Its variants include Ellis, Altehause, Altehanssen, Altehaeuse, and Altenburg.
Ellis is the most common variation of Altehans. This spelling became prevalent when immigrants anglicized their surname to sound more familiar in their English-speaking countries.
Altehause is another variant of the Altehans that is believed to be derived from the German word "hause", which translates to "house." As such, it is thought to be derived from a German ancestor who may have lived in Altehause, a small country village in Germany.
Altehanssen is a variant found primarily in North America and is believed to be an adaptation of the German word "sen", meaning "son" or "descendant". The full name of this variant reads "Altehanssen", which is thought to have been derived from an ancestor named Altehans, or some variation thereof.
Altehaeuse is another derivation of the Altehans surname. This variant is also believed to be derived from the German word "hause", as indicated by the spelling difference.
Altenburg is the another spelling variant of Altehans. An American ancestor, likely originating from Germany, likely is responsible for this spelling. The name is thought to have been derived from the German city Altenburg, which was once a prominent place in the Holy Roman Empire.
Overall, Altehans is an old German surname, and its variants are believed to stem from various sources. All of the variant spellings, however, point back to a common ancestor - likely one that lived in Germany - and that unified all of the branches of the family into a single, distinct surname.
Famous people with the name Altehans
- Silke Altehans, German business consultant and past member of the 2012 Women’s Olympic team in equestrian dressage.
- Akira Altehans, Japanese DJ and producer known for his underground drum and bass scene events.
- Gizelle Altehans, British singer-songwriter who has had several successful hits in the United Kingdom.
- Reid Altehans, Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Winnipeg Jets.
- Galina Altehans, Russian-born actress best known for her role in the 2010 drama film, The House on the Hill.
- Pieter Altehans, Dutch Olympic bobsledder, and three-time world champion.
- Bret Altehans, American businessman and CEO of a Boston based software company.
- Justin Altehans, Australian field lacrosse player and four-time state champion.
- Abigail Altehans, British artist and architect known for her modern installation artwork.
- Matthew Altehans, South African actor who has starred in numerous Hollywood films.