Walter
Ruler of the army — a boy name of Germanic origin
Popularity of Walter in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Walter
Walter derives from the Old Germanic name Waldhar, composed of "wald" (rule, power) and "hari" (army, warrior). The name was brought to England by the Normans and quickly became established among the English-speaking aristocracy. Sir Walter Raleigh, the Elizabethan explorer and courtier, helped cement the name's association with adventure and nobility. Walter was one of the most popular boy names in the United States throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranking in the top 20 for decades. Though it has become less common in recent years, Walter retains a timeless, dignified character.
Walter Around the World
Walter is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 16+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Walter
Famous People Named Walter
- Walt Disney — founder of The Walt Disney Company
- Walter Cronkite — iconic American television news anchor
- Sir Walter Scott — Scottish novelist and poet
Similar Names to Walter
If you like Walter, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Walter
Looking for names that pair well with Walter? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Walter mean?
Walter is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Ruler of the army." Walter derives from the Old Germanic name Waldhar, composed of "wald" (rule, power) and "hari" (army, warrior). The name was brought to England by the Normans and quickly became established among the English-speaking aristocracy.
How do you pronounce Walter?
Walter is pronounced WAWL-ter. Common variations include Walther, Gualtiero, Valter.
Is Walter a boy name?
Yes, Walter is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Walt, Wally, Wat.
Explore Related Names
Need More Name Ideas?
Like Walter? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.
Try Baby Name Generator