Altman Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

What Does the Altman Surname Mean?

Derived from the German 'Altmann' or 'alter Mann' meaning 'old man'. It was a nickname for an elderly or venerable person, or an occupational name for a village elder who played an advisory role in the community.

History & Origins of the Altman Name

The Altman surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Altman surname to 14th century Germany, with the name associated with Rhine Valley, Germany. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Altman family name appears in the records of the British gentry and peerage, with connections including The Altman family rose to prominence primarily in commerce and the arts. Benjamin Altman founded one of New York's great department stores and was a noted art collector who bequeathed his collection to the Metropolitan Museum.. While not every branch of a family held titles, the connection to the peerage system demonstrates the family's place within the broader social fabric of British history. Many families moved between the gentry and the titled aristocracy over the centuries, with fortunes rising and falling according to political allegiance, marriage alliances, and economic circumstances.

The Altman name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Altman legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Altman arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Aristocratic Heritage

This surname has connections to the gentry and titled families throughout history.

• The Altman family rose to prominence primarily in commerce and the arts. Benjamin Altman founded one of New York's great department stores and was a noted art collector who bequeathed his collection to the Metropolitan Museum.

The Altman name features in records of the British peerage system, connecting this lineage to the aristocratic traditions that helped define British governance and society. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Famous People Named Altman

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar German/Jewish origin and may have historical connections to the Altman family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Altman family's German/Jewish heritage.