Find out how popular the first name Alta has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alta by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Alta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 30 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alta.

The history of the first name Alta

Alta is a feminine given name with origins tracing back to the Latin language and ancient Roman culture. The name derives from the Latin word "altus," meaning "high" or "elevated," suggesting a sense of loftiness or superiority.

In the early days of the Roman Empire, the name Alta was occasionally bestowed upon baby girls born into noble or wealthy families, symbolizing their elevated social status or the high aspirations their parents held for them. However, it was not a widely popular name during this period.

The name Alta gained more widespread usage during the Medieval period, particularly in regions influenced by Latin culture, such as Italy, Spain, and parts of France. During this time, the name was sometimes associated with religious devotion, as it evoked a sense of spiritual elevation or ascension.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alta can be found in the writings of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who lived from 1265 to 1321. In his famous work, "The Divine Comedy," Dante mentions a character named Alta, although it is unclear whether this was a real person or a symbolic representation.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Alta. One of the earliest was Alta of Montferrat (c. 1092-1130), a noblewoman from the Montferrat region of northern Italy, who married King Baldwin II of Jerusalem and became Queen of Jerusalem in 1117.

Another prominent figure was Alta Gwynne Saunders (1904-1990), an American archaeologist and academic who made significant contributions to the field of Maya studies. She conducted extensive excavations and research in the ancient Maya sites of Guatemala and Mexico.

In the realm of literature, Alta Luree McDaniel (1911-2004), better known by her pen name Alta McDaniel, was an American novelist and poet. Her works often explored themes of Southern culture and rural life in the United States.

In more recent times, Alta Hofisi (born 1957) is a prominent Tongan politician and women's rights advocate who has served as a member of the Tongan Parliament since 2010.

Alta Vazquez (born 1973) is a Mexican actress and producer known for her work in telenovelas, films, and theater productions, contributing to the vibrant entertainment industry in Latin America.

While the name Alta has not been among the most popular given names in recent decades, it has maintained a presence throughout history, carrying a sense of elevation, nobility, and aspiration across various cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alta was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alta, please contact us.

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