What does Alta mean and where does it come from?
The name Alta is derived from the Latin word 'altus', meaning high or elevated. It conveys a sense of nobility and grandeur. The name has been used in various English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, since the late 19th century. Alta was more commonly given as a first name in the
Cultural significance
Alta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of high.
Peak popularity
Reached #138 in 1881 — currently #1351 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Alta?
Alta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alta Claire
French influence · crisp
Alta Jane
Literary · strong
Alta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alta right now?
Holding steady — currently #1351 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1351 | 849 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1356 | 829 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1361 | 799 | ▲ up 3611 · +3096% births |
| 2020 | #4972 | 25 | ▲ up 470 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #5442 | 24 | ▲ up 1773 · +41% births |
| 2010 | #7215 | 17 | ▼ down 1418 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #5797 | 21 | ▼ down 822 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #4975 | 23 | ▲ up 464 · +35% births |
| 1995 | #5439 | 17 | ▼ down 1060 · -23% births |
| 1990 | #4379 | 22 | ▼ down 1136 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #3243 | 27 | ▼ down 756 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #2487 | 38 | ▼ down 499 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #1988 | 44 | ▼ down 269 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #1719 | 53 | ▼ down 202 · -2% births |
| 1965 | #1517 | 54 | — |
The story of Alta
Alta has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 28,892 babies have received this name. Once ranked #151 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1351 in 2023. Alta is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alta in 1881:
Alta by decade
Alta peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,528 | |
| 1890s | 2,815 | |
| 1900s | 3,096 | |
| 1910s | 6,053 | |
| 1920s ★ | 6,228 | |
| 1930s | 3,702 | |
| 1940s | 2,255 | |
| 1950s | 1,280 | |
| 1960s | 589 | |
| 1970s | 420 | |
| 1980s | 289 | |
| 1990s | 187 | |
| 2000s | 183 | |
| 2010s | 242 | |
| 2020s | 25 | |
Famous people named Alta
A(
Alta (Renaissance scholar)
Alta used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
A(
Alta (Roman senator or statesman)
Alta held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alta also consider these
Common questions about the name Alta
What does the name Alta mean?
Alta means "high" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alta?
Alta is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Alta?
Alta originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alta?
Alta is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 L T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Alta a common or rare name?
Alta is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.