Surname Altmann - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling Ancestry and Connections: My Fascinating iGENEA DNA Test Experience for Altmann

Embark on a journey through my exhilarating encounter with the iGENEA DNA test. Discover the origin of the Altmann surname and the incredible connections I've made with other Altmanns around the globe.

G. Altmann

Altmann: What does the surname Altmann mean?

The surname Altmann has Germanic origins. It is derived from the Old German personal name "Aldman", combining the elements “ald”, which means “old”, and “man”, which means “man”. Hence, "Altmann" roughly translates to “old man”. This name could have possibly been a nickname initially given to a person who was old in age or possibly wise beyond his years. Over the years, this would have been passed down from one generation to another and evolved into a surname. Like many surnames, Altmann could also be an occupational name, in this case, potentially referring to an elder of a community or a leader. Variations of the surname include the English Oldman and German Altman. It is important to keep in mind that surname meanings can often be speculative and interpreting them must consider historical and cultural factors.

Altmann: Where does the name Altmann come from?

The last name Altmann is of German origin. It derives from the personal name Altmann, which means "old man" in German. The surname may have been a nickname for someone who acted beyond their age or perhaps an occupational or status name for an elder within the community. The use of surnames became common in Germany in the late Middle Ages, around the 10th century, and fixed family names started appearing in the 12th and 13th centuries. Some of the first records of the name Altmann come from Bavaria, in the southeastern region of Germany.

Today, the Altmann surname is most common in Germany and Austria. It's also prevalent in the United States within German-American communities. Furthermore, due to historical emigration patterns, the name can also be found among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and around the world. These emigrations significantly diversified the geographical spread of the Altmann surname.

Variations of the surname Altmann

The surname Altmann is of German origin, meaning "old man". It was originally a given name in medieval Germany. Variants of the surname include Altman, Altmen, Althman, Altmanns, Altmans, and Altmenn. More distantly, the surname may also be related to patterns such as Alt, Alter, Alten, and Altenmann, which share the common element of denoting age or seniority.

The variant spelling 'Altman' is particularly common, especially in countries with strong English-speaking or Dutch influences, such as the United States and the Netherlands. The version 'Altmann' is more common in Germany and other countries with stronger historical ties to the German language. In Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland or the Czech Republic, variations of the name could appear with an additional "n" at the end, like "Altmannn".

It should also be considered that similar-sounding surnames from different origins might exist as well, e.g. the Jewish Ashkenazi surname 'Altman' that derives from Yiddish language instead of German. It's also possible for the surname to have been modified or translated upon immigration to another country.

Famous people with the name Altmann

• Brigitte Altmann: A famous Austrian actress known for her roles in several European films and TV dramas.
• Tobias Altmann: A well-known German journalist and television presenter.
• Tom Altmann: An Australian rules footballer who plays for the Western Bulldogs.
• Alexander Altmann: A notable Jewish philosopher and rabbi, particularly renowned for his studies on Jewish mysticism.
• Andreas Altmann: A famous German journalist and travel writer who has published several acclaimed books.
• Paula Altmann: A prominent German sculptor, known for her innovative approach to contemporary art.
• Gustav Altmann: A well-respected German architect known for his pioneering work in the field of sustainable design.
• Andreas Altmann (actor): A German actor, best known for his role in the TV series "Der Bulle von Tölz"
• Susan Altmann: An American artist specializing in contemporary abstract art.
• Eric Altmann: An American ultrarunner and endurance athlete who is renowned for his participation in Ultramarathons around the world.
• Christine Altmann: A famous Australian barrister known for her human rights advocacy.
• Ruth Altmann: A famous textile artist, designer, and educator.

Other surnames

AltmaierAltmanAltmayerAltmayr