Jan Altman's Page

"Ego surfing" is how I found you! That's interesting about Altman's in Poland. I'm not Jewish - Altman is my married name, which I kept after getting divorced. My ex's family information was sketchy but he may have had some Jewish relatives. I heard that "Altman" also means "tall man".

There's a phenomenon called "ego surfing." As you can imagine, it's where you search for your name on the net to see what you find. I did it years ago and found many links to a Jan Altman at a university in Virginia. I actually think I wrote to you back then, but can't remember what happened after that.


Shall I assume that you come from a Jewish background? Many families adopted the name Altman when they came to this country (it means "old man," as you undoubtedly know), but we were actually Altmans back in our little shtetl in Poland. (Well, not me, but my grandpa.) Doing genealogical research, I learned that there were so many Altmans there, they actually had their own synagogue!!

This name thing is too funny! How great to connect with you! Yes, I am the Jan Altman from Virginia (working at a university). I hope you heard something good about me!