Surname Altona - Meaning and Origin

Altona: What does the surname Altona mean?

Altona is a surname that seems to have a geographical origin rather than a meaning derived from occupational or personal characteristics, which is common in many last names. The surname Altona is associated with the area of Altona, which is a significant borough of the city of Hamburg in Germany. The name Altona itself is believed to come from the local Low German dialect words "all zu nahe" meaning "all too close". This was said to be in reference to the closeness of Altona to the city of Hamburg. So if someone carries the last name Altona, it's likely their ancestors originated from this specific area in Germany. However, without detailed genealogical research, it's difficult to confirm the origins of the surname for each individual or family bearing the name.

Altona: Where does the name Altona come from?

The last name Altona is of German origin. It's derived from the place named Altona, which is now a major district of the city of Hamburg in Germany. Altona was an independent city until 1937, when it was incorporated into Hamburg. The name Altona is believed to have Low German roots, coming from "allzu-nah" meaning "all too near," humorously referring to its proximity to Hamburg.

Being a locational surname, it was likely first used to identify individuals who came from Altona. Over time, these individuals would have passed the name down to their descendants, transforming it into a hereditary surname.

Today, it's difficult to say exactly where the surname is most common as people with this surname could have migrated to different parts of the world over the centuries. However, given its German origin, one might expect it to be more common in Germany and areas with a significant German diaspora, such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. However, please note its distribution is not restricted to these areas.

Variations of the surname Altona

The surname Altona seems to be of German or Dutch origin, most likely referencing to the district of Altona in Hamburg, Germany. Variants or similar surnames may include Altena, Altuna, Altana, or Althana. Some people also use the similar-sounding but differently spelled surname Aldona.

The surname could be potentially altered based upon regional dialects and languages, leading to minor variations in spelling and pronunciation. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, it might be spelled as Altoná or Altonà in Catalan.

In addition to the alternate spellings, sometimes prefixes or suffixes might be added as a modification to the surname based upon geographical region or marginal differences in lineage. For instance, von Altona or Altonauer could be potential variations in German-speaking countries.

Please note that these are speculative and may not cover all potential variants or spellings of the surname Altona. The exact variations and origin of the surname can best be confirmed through dedicated genealogical research or consultation with a specialist in onomastics, the study of names.

Famous people with the name Altona

• Vic Altona: Politician, Businessman.
• Karl Altona: German painter.
• John Altona: American entrepreneur, philanthropist.
• Robert Altona: Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and pediatrician.
• Terry Altona: Actor, Voice Actor, Writer.
• Hendrick Altona: Danish sculptor.
• Clem Altona: British fashion designer and stylist.
• Frank Altona: German author, psychotherapist.
• Henry Altona: Socialite and Art Collector from Germany.
• Selma Altona: Swedish photographer and actress.

Other surnames

AltonAltone