A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Alta since 1880
Babies named Alta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alta's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,523 |
| 1890s | 2,796 |
| 1900s | 3,091 |
| 1910s | 6,028 |
| 1920s | 6,198 |
| 1930s | 3,670 |
| 1940s | 2,255 |
| 1950s | 1,280 |
| 1960s | 589 |
| 1970s | 420 |
| 1980s | 289 |
| 1990s | 188 |
| 2000s | 186 |
| 2010s | 244 |
| 2020s | 174 |
Meaning & origin
Alta is a name of Latin origin meaning high or elevated, derived from the word altus. It enjoyed its peak popularity in 1894, ranking among the top names for girls during the 1890s decade in the United States. Notably, Alta has seen a revival, with a rising trajectory since 2007, though it remains relatively uncommon today, with 1 in 48,705 newborns receiving the name in 2025. The name is particularly associated with Utah, the top state where Alta has been historically favored. Its revival is part of a broader trend of resurrecting vintage names from the late 19th century. Alta's simple, melodic two-syllable sound and uplifting meaning contribute to its enduring appeal.
Alta derives from the Latin altus, meaning high or elevated. It was used as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the American West, and was also adopted from the Spanish word alta (feminine form of alto, meaning tall or high). The name saw peak usage in the United States in the 1890s.
Where Alta is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al
Variants: Alta
Sibling names for Alta
Names that share Alta's style, for a brother or sister.
