Origin & Meaning of the Alter Surname
What does the last name Alter mean?
The surname Alter carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,830 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alter ranks as the #8,597 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alter come from?
The Alter surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alter trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,597 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,830 |
| Per 100K People | 1.3 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alter
According to the US Census, the Alter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,830 Americans with the Alter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.07% |
| Black | 0.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.41% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Alter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alter surname increased by 99 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Alter Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Alter ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Alter
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Alter.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Alter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alter
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Alter surname also look for: