What Does Altadena Mean

Complete Explanation

The name Altadena refers to an unincorporated community located in the San Gabriel Valley, within Los Angeles County, California. The term is a hybrid place name that combines the Spanish word alta (meaning “high” or “tall”) with dena, which was taken from the name of the adjacent city of Pasadena. Pasadena itself is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word for “crown of the valley” (from weoqua pa-sa-de-na). Thus, Altadena can be interpreted as “high Pasadena” or “upper Pasadena,” reflecting its location in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, at a higher elevation than Pasadena proper.

• Linguistic components:
  The prefix alta is Spanish for “high.” The suffix dena is a truncation of “Pasadena.” Together they form a blended name unique to this settlement.
• Geographic significance:
  Altadena sits at an average elevation of about 1,300 feet (400 m) above sea level, which is notably higher than the core of Pasadena, justifying the “high” descriptor in its name.
• Official status:
  Unlike Pasadena, Altadena is not an incorporated city; it remains an unincorporated community under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County.

History / Background

The name Altadena was coined in 1887 by the Woodbury family, real estate developers who subdivided the area. They sought a name that would distinguish their higher-altitude tracts from the already established city of Pasadena. By combining the Spanish alta with a shortened form of Pasadena, they created a name that simultaneously evoked a sense of elevation and connection to the neighboring community. The area was originally part of the Rancho San Pascual Mexican land grant. After the arrival of the railroad and subsequent land booms, Altadena grew as a suburban retreat for wealthy families from Los Angeles, later evolving into a diverse residential area. The name has remained unchanged since its introduction.

Importance and Impact

Altadena’s name has shaped the identity of the community for over a century. It distinguishes the area from nearby Pasadena and other San Gabriel Valley communities, while also preserving a link to Spanish and Indigenous linguistic heritage. The name appears on maps, official documents, and signage, reinforcing a sense of place and history. For residents, the unique etymology serves as a point of pride and a conversation starter. The community’s designation as an unincorporated area also influences local governance, school districts, and public services, further embedding the name’s significance in everyday life.

Why It Matters

Understanding the meaning of Altadena helps contextualize the broader pattern of place-naming in California, where Spanish, English, and Native American words frequently intermingle. For residents, visitors, and researchers, knowing the origin of the name provides insight into the region’s development history—especially the land booms of the 1880s and the role of railway promoters. It also clarifies common misconceptions about whether Altadena is a city or simply a neighborhood. For those interested in onomastics (the study of names), Altadena is a clear example of a synthetic place name that combines two languages to convey geographic and social meaning.

Common Misconceptions