Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. /ˈɔːl.də.mən/(British English) /ˈɑld.əɹ.mən/(American English) [key·simplify] Meaning & History Occupational name for a person who is a member of the governing body of a city or borough, from Middle English alderman, a compound of Old English ealdor "elder" and man.