Walter

Also spelled: Walther, Gualtiero, Valter, Wouter

Pronunciation: WAWL-ter

♂ Male

Old High German

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Royal Names

Meaning

Ruler of the army

Origin

Germanic

About Walter

Walter arrives with a distinguished air, a name that has seen centuries of use from medieval times through the Victorian era and well into the early 20th century. Meaning "ruler of the army" from its Old High German roots, it carries an inherent strength and a classic, serious gravitas that appeals to parents looking for a name with enduring substance. Unlike many ancient names that feel dusty, Walter maintains a surprising freshness, perhaps due to its straightforward sound and the quiet dignity it projects. It's a choice for those who appreciate tradition and a name that feels both familiar and deeply rooted, without being overly common in today's nurseries.

Quick Facts

- Nicknames: Walther, Gualtiero, Valter, Wouter - Popular in: United States, Germany, United Kingdom

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Classic

Peak decade:1910s

Era:Medieval, Victorian, Early 1900s

Popular in:United States, Germany, United Kingdom

Popularity Trends

Is Walter Right for Your Baby?

Walter is a Strong, Classic, Serious name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Regions Where Walter Is Used

Germanic

Anglo-Saxon / British

Name Vibe

Strong

Classic

Serious

Famous People Named Walter

Walter Scott, Scottish historical novelist and poet
Walter Matthau, American actor
Walter Cronkite, American broadcast journalist
Walter Gropius, German architect and founder of the Bauhaus school
Walter Payton, American professional football player

Nicknames & Short Forms

Walt

Walt

Walter in different fonts

WalterDancing Script

WalterCaveat

WalterSatisfy

WalterPacifico

WalterGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Walter, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic

Traditional

Strong

Found in these lists

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Traditional Saint Kitts and Nevis Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Walter

What is the origin of the name Walter?

Walter has Old High German origins, where it meant "ruler of the army."

Is Walter a common name today?

While Walter has a long history of use, it is not as frequently heard today, making it a classic choice with a touch of distinction.

What does Walter mean?

Walter means "Ruler of the army". It is derived from Germanic.

What is the origin of Walter?

Walter originates from Old High German. Its cultural origin is Germanic.

Is Walter a male or female name?

Walter is a male name.

How do you pronounce Walter?

Walter is pronounced "WAWL-ter".

What language does Walter come from?

Walter comes from Old High German.

Is Walter a popular name?

Walter is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

What are variants of Walter?

Variants of Walter include Walther, Gualtiero, Valter, Wouter.

What are nicknames for Walter?

Common nicknames for Walter include Walt.

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