Surname Alterman - Meaning and Origin

Alterman: What does the surname Alterman mean?

Alterman is a Jewish surname of Ashkenazi origin. The name is derived from the Yiddish word "alter," which means old, and "man," which stands for man. Hence, Alterman can be translated as "old man." However, this translation does not necessarily suggest ageing; rather, it could be attributed to ancient lineage or an elderly respected figure in a community. The addition of "man" in many Ashkenazi surnames is common and typically symbolizes the individual as part of a larger group or community. The name Alterman, like many Jewish surnames, carries a rich historical significance, reflecting both the heritage and cultural origin of the bearers.

Alterman: Where does the name Alterman come from?

The surname Alterman is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, primarily associated with Eastern European Jews. The name means "old man" in Yiddish (from "alter" meaning old, and "man" meaning man), a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. It was likely originally used as a nickname or term of respect for a wise, elder figure in the community. Surnames in these communities were often descriptive and could reflect a person's age, occupation, or characteristic.

Today, the Alterman last name can be found in many countries, particularly those with substantial Jewish communities. This includes countries like the United States, Israel, Canada, the UK, and many other places across the world. It is not an extremely common surname, but there are some notable individuals with the Alterman last name, including academics, writers, and others in various fields.

Variations of the surname Alterman

The surname Alterman has a few possible variants and similar surnames, often depending on geographic location, culture, or language. Some possible variants or similar surnames include Altman, Altermann, Alter, Allterman, Altermann, Altterman, and Altermon.

The name may be of Jewish (Ashkenazic), German, Dutch, or English origin. As such, variants could result from phonetic translations or adaptations in different languages or regions. For instance, in German, the name could be spelled "Altermann."

The surname Alterman might also be linked to variations of the name like "Oldman" or "Elderman" since "Alter" is a Yiddish word meaning 'old', and "man" meaning 'man'.

Some families may also use different spellings within the same family, due to personal preference or reasons such as immigration. During immigration processes in the past, names were often changed or shortened for a variety of reasons, including to make them easier to spell or pronounce in the new country.

Please note that genealogical research is often necessary to uncover all the possible variations, exactly understand the historical evolution, and establish the precise family connections and roots of particular surnames.

Famous people with the name Alterman

• Eric Alterman: An American historian, journalist, author, and professor. He has written for publications like The Nation and The Guardian.
• Jon Alterman: A scholar specializing in Middle East policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
• Nate Alterman: An Israeli poet, journalist, playwright, and translator, who was one of the leading figures in Israeli cultural life.
• Tod Alterman: An American physician who shared his expertise through his work at Medical University of South Carolina.
• Ben Alterman: A professional StarCraft II player from United States, who participated in international video game championships.
• Iris Alterman: An established author known for her work on children's literature and Jewish culture.
• Scott Alterman: An American entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of The Icebox, a merchandising and promotional products company.
• Karen Alterman: A visual artist known for her paintings and other works of art.
• Beth Alterman: A senior writer and editor for MTV.com and contributes to the New York Times.
• Netty Alterman: A social activist and feminist leader in Israel.
• Mor Altshuler: An Israeli historian and scholar who specializes in Jewish mysticism and Hasidism.

Other surnames

Altermatt