Show ContentsAltartent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Altartent

What does the name Altartent mean?

The origins of the Altartent name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in a region or farm with alder trees 1 or the farm of the great and wise warrior. 2

Early Origins of the Altartent family

The surname Altartent was first found in Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, where Alderton, parishes or various sizes are still found today. The Domesday Book of 1086 lists: Aldritine in Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire; Aldritone, Wiltshire; and Alretuna, Suffolk. 3

The first record in early rolls was that of Alexander de Alreton who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1191. Later, John de Aldrinton was found in the Assize Rolls for Worcestershire in 1221 and much later, Richard Alderton was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1525. 4

Early History of the Altartent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Altartent research. Another 24 words (2 lines of text) covering the year 1592 is included under the topic Early Altartent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Altartent Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Altartent were recorded, including Alderton, Elderton, Eldarton, Aldarten, Eldertin and others.

Early Notables of the Altartent family

More information is included under the topic Early Altartent Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Altartent family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Altartent family emigrate to North America: John Alderton who came at the time of the "Mayflower" in 1620; and settled in Plymouth, and later in Massachusetts, at the age of 21. Another John Alderton settled in Virginia in 1663.



  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook