Alterman

Alterman, in Yiddish, translates to "old man". It is a common surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. While directly meaning "old man", the surname can also be interpreted figuratively as a term of respect for an elder, a wise person, or a community leader. The name may also reflect ancestry, indicating descent from someone who held an elder's position within a Jewish community. The surname is documented in various spellings and transliterations.