Altman

Altman is a surname of German origin, often treated as a variant of Altmann. It derives from the elements alt, meaning old, and Mann, meaning man, and likely originated as a nickname for an elder or as an occupational designation. The name is found in German-speaking regions and among communities descended from German and Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants, and it spread to the United States and other countries through successive waves of immigration. Variants include Altmann.

Robert Altman (1925–2006) was an American film director known for his ensemble casts, overlapping dialogue, and satirical, naturalistic approach. His best-known works include MASH (1970), Nashville (1975), and The Player (1992); Gosford Park (2001) won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Altman's style influenced generations of filmmakers and contributed to the development of contemporary independent cinema.

Beyond this notable figure, Altman is borne by other individuals in various fields, and the surname appears in company names, institutions, and fictional contexts. As a surname, Altman reflects a long-standing pattern of German-language naming that persists in many cultures today.