How common is the Alter surname?

There are approximately 25,000 people with the surname Alter in the United States.

Are there Alter soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 79 soldiers with the Alter surname appear in Civil War records.

Alter

Q: What does the surname Alter mean?

The surname Alter means "A person who is old or elderly, or derived from the German word 'alt' meaning 'old'.". It is of German/Yiddish origin.

Descriptive

Meaning

A person who is old or elderly, or derived from the German word 'alt' meaning 'old'.

Etymology

The surname derives from the German word 'alt' (old), used as a descriptive term or occupational designation. In Yiddish, 'Alter' is a common given name meaning 'old one'.

About the Alter Surname

Alter is a German and Yiddish surname derived from the word for 'old', used as a descriptive or given name. The surname is common among Jewish communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 25,000 bearers in the United States #739 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in German-speaking countries and among Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in the United States and Israel.

Alter Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Alter Surname

Geo. E. Alter

Quick Facts

Origin: German/Yiddish
Classification: Descriptive
Earliest Record: Medieval Germany
Estimated Bearers: 25,000

War Records

79 soldiers with the Alter surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →