Surname Altwasser - Meaning and Origin
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Altwasser: What does the surname Altwasser mean?
Altwasser is a German surname, originating from the central European region. The name is a combination of two German words, "Alt" meaning old, and "Wasser" meaning water. Thus, the straightforward interpretation of the name 'Altwasser' is 'old water'. This name could have perhaps been a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers lived near an old body of water such as a lake, river, or stream. It is important to note that the exact origins and meanings of surnames can vary significantly, and may be influenced by many factors such as geographic location, culture, and history. While some surnames are easily interpreted based on their component words, others may require more extensive historical and cultural research to determine their origins and meanings. Therefore, the exact meaning of the surname Altwasser may differ based on the family and their historical background.
Order DNA origin analysisAltwasser: Where does the name Altwasser come from?
The surname Altwasser is largely believed to have originated from Germany, particularly from its Silesian region. The name is of toponymic origin, derived from a geographical location associated with the bearer. Altwasser translates to "old water" in German. Therefore, the initial bearer of this surname might likely have lived near an old body of water, or old river, perhaps signifying a stagnant or slow-moving waterway. As with many such surnames, Altwasser might have started as a nickname, possibly for an elder, or someone dwelling by such water. Today, this surname might not be necessarily common in any particular region considering the global diaspora. However, it's likely to be more prevalent in areas with a substantial population of people of German descent such as Germany, the United States, or Canada. Additionally, given that Silesia, where the name seems to have originated, is now mostly in Poland, the surname could also be found in this Eastern European nation.
Variations of the surname Altwasser
The surname Altwasser is predominantly of German origin, and variations or alternate spellings can include Altvasser, Altwater, Althwasser, Altvatter, Althvater, and Althwater.
Relatively uncommon, it's believed to be locational or topographical, deriving from the German words "alt," meaning old, and "wasser," meaning water. It was possibly used to refer to someone who lived near an old body of water, or a well-used watering place.
Surnames of the same origin typically include those that also describe natural features or locations, such as Berg (mountain), Feld (field), or Bach (stream). Other examples could be Altwalt (old forest), Altfeld (old field), or Altberg (old mountain).
It's essential to remember that surnames, particularly those with roots in other languages like German, can have several variations due to regional dialects, localization, and immigration. Therefore, Altwasser may have been modified or translated into other forms not listed here.
Famous people with the name Altwasser
- Tom Altwasser: German software engineer and computer game designer. He is best known for designing popular games including the hit 'Lemmings' game series, 'Oh No! More Lemmings' and 'The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants'.
- Hillary Altwasser: Canadian snowboarder and Olympic athlete. She competed in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, winning a bronze medal in the women's snowboard cross event.
- Jörn Altwasser: German entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of COSA Vision GmbH, a European marketing company that works with advertising in the sports and lifestyle segments.
- Jost Altwasser: German businessman and philanthropist. He is an executive director of Altwasser & Cie, an industrial chemicals manufacturer.
- Hans Altwasser: German lawyer and theatre director and manager. He was the director of two world-famous theatres in Berlin, and his accomplishments in theatre management have been noted around the world.
- Barbara Altwasser– German political scientist and professor at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (Science and Policy Foundation) in Berlin.
- Nico Altwasser: German football player with Dortmund II, who has previously played for the city-based club Lippstadt 08.
- Fanny Altwasser: German businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Naturkosmetik, a natural cosmetics company that specializes in producing hand-made, sustainable and natural organic cosmetics.