Alta is a unique and captivating female name of Latin origin, derived from the word "altus," which means "high" or "elevated." The name Alta has been traditionally associated with height or elevation, perhaps reflecting the lofty ideals or aspirations of its bearers.
The name Alta is believed to have originated in ancient Roman culture, where it was used as a feminine given name. However, its usage has not been widespread throughout history, making it quite distinctive and uncommon today. In some cases, the name Alta may also be associated with the Scottish surname of similar spelling, but this does not appear to have influenced its use as a given name.
One notable historical figure with the name Alta was Alta Hrichová, a Czech mountaineer who made significant contributions to her country's climbing community during the mid-20th century. Her accomplishments and passion for exploration may have further popularized the name Alta in some circles.
In various languages and cultures around the world, Alta has been adopted and adapted in different ways:
* In Spanish-speaking countries, "Alta" is often used as an adjective meaning "tall."
* In Norwegian, the word "alta" translates to "high," reflecting the name's original Latin root.
* In some Slavic languages, such as Polish and Czech, "alta" may have connotations related to height or elevation.
Despite its rare usage throughout history, the name Alta has a certain allure that sets it apart from more common monikers. Its meaning, associated with lofty ideals and aspirations, imbues it with an inspiring quality that may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The given statistics show the number of babies named Alta born in the United States each year from 1880 to 2023. The data demonstrates that the popularity of the name Alta has varied significantly over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Alta was quite popular. It reached its peak in 1915 with 721 births. This high point was followed by a period of relative stability, with the number of babies named Alta ranging between 600 to 800 annually from 1910 to 1930.
However, starting from the 1930s, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Alta. By 1940, the number of babies named Alta had dropped below 300 for the first time since the late 1800s. This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, with fewer than 100 babies being named Alta each year from 1957 onwards.
The name Alta became particularly rare in recent decades, with fewer than 30 babies being named Alta annually between 2008 and 2022. However, there was a small resurgence in its popularity in recent years, with 35 babies named Alta in 2021 and 31 in 2022.
Overall, the statistics show that while Alta was once a popular name in the United States, its usage has significantly declined over time. Despite this, it appears that there is still some interest in the name, as there have been more than 28,000 babies named Alta in total since 1880.