Walter
Walter is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning “Ruler of the army”, pronounced WAWL-ter. It ranked #252 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,381 babies, and peaked at #10 in 1914. Common nicknames: Walt, Wally, Wat.
How popular is 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.
What does Walter mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Walter used 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.
What are the 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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Walter
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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.