Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Alta
GirlLatin, Spanish· “high”
- Meaning
- high
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- AL-tuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,267
- US babies 2025
- 33
- Best rank
- #137 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Alta
Alta is a Latin and Spanish name that means “high”.
Alta is a Latin and Spanish word meaning high or tall, from altus. It has been used as a given name in the US since the nineteenth century. It is also the name of a ski resort in Utah and a town in Norway, though these are unrelated. It is said AL-tuh. Alta fits with other short vintage names like Ada and Ida. It is uncommon today, which makes it distinctive.
Popularity over time
Alta has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 77 different years. Its best national rank was #137 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 820 were named Alta. In 2025, 33 babies were named Alta, and it ranked #4,267 nationally. That is 38% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #244 in 1920, #647 in 1950, #2,487 in 1980, #4,799 in 2000, #7,235 in 2010, and #4,267 in 2025. Of the 28,931 US girls named Alta since records began, 21% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 6,028 babies. Since 2010, 418 more have been named Alta.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lizzie, Selma, Elva, Nell, and Iva.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alta ranked highest in Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #542 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alta is usually pronounced AL-tuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Alta
A few middle names that flow with Alta: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alta
Similar names
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Lists that include Alta
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alta mean?
Alta is a Latin and Spanish name that means “high”.
What is the origin of the name Alta?
Alta has Latin and Spanish roots. Alta is a Latin and Spanish word meaning high or tall, from altus.
Is Alta a popular name?
Not especially. Alta ranked #4,267 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alta a boy or girl name?
Alta is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alta?
Alta is usually pronounced AL-tuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings