Altmann

Altmann is a surname of Germanic origin and, less commonly, a placename or given name. The name is generally understood to derive from the elements alt, meaning old, and mann, meaning man, and it likely started as a nickname for an elder or respected person or as an indicator of status in the medieval period. Over time it became a hereditary surname and spread through German-speaking regions.

Today, Altmann is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with diaspora communities in North America and elsewhere. Variant spellings include Altman, Allmann, and Aultmann; differences often reflect regional spelling practices or transliteration during migration.

Notable individuals with the surname Altmann have contributed across fields such as science, philosophy, the arts, and public life; historical records show Altmanns in scholarly and professional circles from the medieval to modern periods. The name has also appeared in literature and in fictional works as a representation of German-speaking characters.

In addition to its use as a surname, Altmann appears in geographic and institutional names in German-speaking areas, such as hills, estates, or localities named after a family or landmark.

See also Altman, Allmann, and Aultmann for related surnames and variant spellings.