Surname Altomare - Meaning and Origin

Altomare: What does the surname Altomare mean?

Altomare is an Italian surname, which in Italian literally translates to "High Sea". The name is believed to have originated from the coastal regions of Italy, given to people dwelling along high sea lines or cliffs. Surnames were often accorded depending on a person's dwelling, profession, or father's name, and Altomare likely falls into the category of topographic surnames. It is also possible that the name was given to seafarers, navigators or those associated with maritime professions. Notable people with the surname Altomare include Christy Altomare, an American actress and singer-songwriter, and Joe Altomare, an American professional golfer. Like many European surnames, the spelling and form of Altomare may have varied over the centuries across different regions.

Altomare: Where does the name Altomare come from?

The surname Altomare has Italian origins, deriving from the words "alto" which means high and "mare" which means sea. It's often supposed that these surnames were used for people who lived by high seas or high cliffs by the sea. As a surname, it is prevalent in Southern Italy, particularly in regions of Puglia and Calabria. In Puglia, it is concentrated highly in the city of Bari. Also, throughout history, due to migration and the ensuing Italian diaspora, the surname has since dispersed and is currently found in multiple countries outside Italy including the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Despite this, the Altomare surname is still much more prominent in Italy compared to other corners of the world. Like any other surname, not every person with the last name Altomare is necessarily related, as the formation of surnames varied greatly by region and even village. In some towns, a surname would have been carried by all the descendants of a common ancestor, while in others, the surname might have been adopted by anyone who lived in a certain town.

Variations of the surname Altomare

The surname Altomare originates from Italy and it is derived from the Italian words "alto" meaning "high" and "mare" meaning "sea", translating to "high sea". Variants of this surname are rarer due to its specific linguistic roots, but subtle deviations could include Altomari, Altamar, Altomaro or Altemare.

As for spelling variations, these could occur due to phonetic transcriptions and miscommunications (for example: Alttomare, Altommare), especially in records held in countries where Italian is not the primary language.

Regarding surnames of the same origin, they might not have a direct connection to Altomare, but they could share geographical, cultural, and linguistic similarities. For instance, Italian surnames related to geographical features or nature, like Montemare (mountain sea), Terra (earth), or De Marino (of the sea) might be considered of the same vein.

Please note that the specific variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin may vary greatly depending on regional dialects and personal family histories. Emigration also plays a considerable role in the variation and adaptation of surnames.

Famous people with the name Altomare

• Christy Altomare: An American actress and singer-songwriter best known for her role as Anya in the Broadway production of 'Anastasia.' She has also appeared in other Broadway shows like 'Mamma Mia!' and 'Spring Awakening.'
• Tony Altomare: A professional wrestler from America who performed under the ring name "Tony Altimore". He was quite popular during the 1960s and 1970s, and was a part of a successful wrestling tag team, The Sicilians.
• Jim Altomare: Known as a successful singer and actor, Jim Altomare is best recognized for his performance in 'Unfinished Symphony'.
• Humbert Altomare: An actor who played the role of Torindo in the movie 'Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks' in 1974. Note: The spelling of the last name varies slightly between individuals, with some using 'Altomare' and others 'Altimore'.

Other surnames

Altomari