"high, elevated"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Alta
Pronunciation: [ AHLT-uh ]
Does Alta flow with your last name?
Lofty and brief, a name that reaches high
Spanish
Italian
American
German
Vintage
Earthy
Strong
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Alta
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"tall, lofty"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
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The Story of Alta
Alta comes from the Latin and Spanish word alta meaning high or elevated. It conveys altitude, aspiration, and nobility. The name was used in both medieval European and Latin American cultures, often given to girls born in mountainous regions or to families wishing to express lofty aspirations for their daughters.
Alta was popular in the United States from the 1870s through the 1920s, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain West. It nearly vanished by the late 20th century but is experiencing a revival as part of the broader vintage name renaissance.
Alta is also a geographic term used in place names like Alta, Utah and Alta California, the Spanish colonial province. This geographical association gives the name a sense of wide-open landscapes and natural grandeur.
Historical Record
Alta first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,337 babies have been named Alta in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Alta is past its peak , currently ranked #6,119 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Alta, Utah is home to one of America's premier ski resorts, giving the name a sporty outdoorsy association
- Alta was a top-200 name in the United States in 1900
Alta in Other Languages
Latin
Alta
German
Alta
Italian
Alta
Spanish
Alta
Portuguese
Alta
Popularity Over Time
#6,119
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Alta
A
Alta Hunsiker
Athlete
1900
Early American women's athletic pioneer in the early 20th century sports movement
A
Alta Allen
Actor
1897
American actress of the silent film era
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Compare Alta with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,119
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian American German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Al
Allie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Alta
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Alta is also used as a boy name, ranked #31453.
View Alta as a boy name →Similar Names
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Greek katharos origin
"pure"
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Eryss
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Ancient Greek origin
"dispute, rivalry"
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Greek origin
"torch, shining light"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alta
What does the name Alta mean?
"high, elevated" (from Latin). "tall, lofty" (from Spanish). Alta comes from the Latin and Spanish word alta meaning high or elevated. It conveys altitude, aspiration, and nobility. The name was used in both medieval European and Latin American cultures, often given to girls born in mountainous regions or to families wishing to express lofty aspirations for their daughters.
What is the origin of the name Alta?
Alta has Latin, Spanish, Italian, American, and German origins. In Latin, it means "high, elevated". In Spanish, it means "tall, lofty".
Is Alta a boy or girl name?
Alta is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6119. As a boy name, it is ranked #31453. Alta is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Alta?
Alta is pronounced AHLT-uh.
How popular is the name Alta?
Alta is currently ranked #6119 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Alta?
Common nicknames for Alta include Allie.
What are good middle names for Alta?
Popular middle name pairings include Alta Rose, Alta Mae, Alta Grace, Alta Jean, Alta Louise, and Alta Fern.
What are good sibling names for Alta?
Names that pair well with Alta as siblings include Vera, Mabel, Hazel, Cora, Orrin, and Elmer.
How many syllables does Alta have?
Alta has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Alta a common or rare name?
Alta is an uncommon name, ranked #6119 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Alta?
Are there other spellings for Alta?
Related spellings include Althea.
About the Name Alta
Alta is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, American, and German origins . The name means "high, elevated" in Latin .
Is Alta a boy or girl name? Alta is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,119 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,453. Alta is more commonly used as a girl name.
Alta is currently ranked #6,119 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Alta has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHLT-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Alta include Al and Allie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Alta include Althea . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis