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Data: Social Security Administration, US births 1880–2024

Alter — Meaning, Origin & Popularity | Namesake
All names
Alteo|Althaea
LatinBoy→ Stable

Alter

AWL-ter · 2 syllables

Share Alter:
Compare with another name
Boy

Outside top 1000

Last ranked #7770 in 2023

Peak: #7118 in 2021

→ Stable

Outside top 1000

Last ranked #7770 in 2023

Peak: #7118 in 2021

5yr change
—
Birth frequency
2.8 per 1,000,000 births
Sex split
100% boy · 0% girl

Popularity Over Time

↑ Higher on this chart = more popular · ↓ Lower = less popular

Average0255075100Popularity score (0–100)20202023

Rank #7770 · Rising since 2020

This name is given to very few babies each year — it sits outside the range shown in these charts.

Namesake Score
42
Higher than 42% of names
Combines uniqueness, trend, meaning, feasibility, and search interest.
Trend
→ Stable
Based on SSA rank velocity
Feasibility
Limited
.com taken · — · clear
Low friction, available
Uniqueness
45
Won't be common in class

Alter scores lower overall — it's a well-known name in this region.

Meaning Depth37% of score
60
Name Trend28% of score
55
Uniqueness20% of score
45
Feasibility15% of score
50

Scores are percentile-ranked across 43,000+ names.

Name DNA
Latin RootClassicBoy2-syllableStrongPhilosophicalVintageEuropeanRareIntellectual
Character
alternative thinkingtransformative natureunconventional perspectiveadaptable spiritchange-maker energy
People with this name

Qualities shared by notable Alters

resilientcourageousobservantdeterminedthoughtful
STRONG
High confidence

Alter is a Latin boy name with steady SSA rankings. Full rank detail will appear once SSA data is linked.

Trend:→ Stable
Feasibility:.com taken · — · clear
Popularity:—
Alter at a Glance
Meaning:From Latin 'alter' meaning 'the other' or 'second'. Historically used to denote an alternative or substitute, later adopted as a given name in Germanic and Jewish traditions.
Language root:Latin · Germanic · Medieval European
Peak rank:#7118 in 2021
5yr change:—
Sex usage:100% boy · 0% girl
Notable bearers
Alter Ego
Concept in philosophy and psychology
Alter Mann
Holocaust survivor and author
Similar Sound
Arthur◈AlbertAlden◈AldousAldoArnold
Similar Style
OscarVictorWalterChesterEdmundFrederick
Works well with
OttoFelixMagnusTheo◈Jasper◈Edgar
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Edmund
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Frederick
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Source: Social Security Administration baby names data. Popularity data reflects US births. Feasibility data updated monthly.
Name Intelligence
Alter · Overview
Summary

Alter is a Latin boy name with steady SSA rankings. Full rank detail will appear once SSA data is linked.

Search interest: 15/100 → Stable

Strengths
Classic · Strong character
Alter carries a bold, serious quality that makes it distinctive without being invented.
Considerations
Domain taken
alter.com is not available. Alternative TLDs may work.
Explore

Add to watchlists or your list with + Save next to the name above.

Data source:Social Security Administration
Coverage:US births 1879–2024
Updated:January 2025
ISR:Refreshes monthly
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