Althaus

Althaus is a German locational surname. It derives from the Middle High German elements alt (old) and hūs (house), indicating someone who lived in or near an old house. Such topographic surnames were commonly assigned in the medieval period to distinguish individuals by the most notable feature of their dwelling.

Notable Bearers

The surname Althaus has been borne by several prominent figures. Dieter Althaus (born 1958) served as Minister-President of Thuringia from 2003 to 2009. Early modern German Calvinist philosopher and political theorist Johannes Althusius (1557–1638), also known as Johannes Althaus, is renowned for his work Politica Methodice Digesta, which influenced federalist thought. In theology, Adolf Paul Johannes Althaus (early 20th century) was a prominent Lutheran theologian. Other bearers include Kenneth Althaus, a U.S. Army general during World War II, and Ernst Freiherr von Althaus, one of the world's first flying aces. In more contemporary times, Argentine theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid and Swiss actor Urs Althaus have carried the name.

Cognates and Variants

Related Dutch cognates include Althuis and Van Althuis, which share the same etymological components—oud (old) and huis (house)—and similarly described a resident of an old house or a specific farmstead named Oudhuis.

• Meaning: dweller by or inhabitant of an old house
• Origin: German (Middle High German)
• Type: topographic surname
• Similar surnames: Althuis, Van Althuis (Dutch)