Declining since 2012, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Alter since 1915
Babies named Alter per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 13 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 42 |
| 2000s | 107 |
| 2010s | 104 |
| 2020s | 54 |
Meaning & origin
Alter is a distinctly uncommon name in the United States. First recorded in 1915, it ranked 5861 in 2025, meaning only about 1 in 113,872 boys received the name that year. The name reached its peak popularity in 2012, and it has been falling in use ever since, with a trajectory that shows consistent decline over the past decade. Geographically, Alter is concentrated in New York, reflecting its roots in Jewish communities. Despite its rarity, the name carries significant cultural weight: in Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, Alter was often given as a protective name, intended to ward off evil spirits by suggesting the child was old and unremarkable. This custom, known as 'kinnui', arose in Eastern Europe and has been preserved in some Orthodox families to this day. Alter thus represents a deep connection to heritage and a purposeful departure from mainstream naming trends.
Alter is a Yiddish name from the word 'alter' meaning 'old'. It was traditionally given to a firstborn son as a protective name, following the Ashkenazi Jewish custom of using auspicious or apotropaic names. The name has been used among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and later in the United States, where it remains a distinctive choice.
Where Alter is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Alterman
Sibling names for Alter
Names that share Alter's style, for a brother or sister.
