Walter Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Walter Name Meaning

Fact: Walt Disney almost ended up selling vacuum cleaners before pursuing animation and creating iconic characters like Mickey Mouse​

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A Deep Dive

Walter Overview

Meaning

Army ruler, powerful ruler

Gender

Boy

Origin

Germanic

Etymology

Derived from the Old High German elements “wald,” meaning “rule,” and “heri,” meaning “army.”

Pronunciation

/ˈwɔːltər/

Popularity

Walter is a classic name with enduring appeal in Germany, the UK, and the USA. In 2023, Walter ranked #271 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

7 (Analytical, Studious, Knowledgeable)

Name Styles

Traditional, Vintage, Classic

Associated Traits

Noble, reliable, traditional

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often linked to Saint Walter of Pontoise, the patron saint of prisoners.

Name Day

April 8 (France)
A Deep Dive

Walter Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Walther, Walden, Waldemar, Wally, Walton

Common Nicknames

Watty, Wally, Waldo, Wally, Waltie

Diminutives

Walt, Wally, Wat, Wallie, Teri

Famous People

  • Walter Cronkite
    (American Journalist)
  • Walter White
    (American Civil Rights Leader)
  • Walter Matthau
    (American Actor)
  • Walter Scott
    (Scottish Writer)
  • Walter Payton
    (American Athlete)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Walter White
    ("Breaking Bad," TV Series)
  • Walter Bishop
    ("Fringe," TV Series)
  • "Walter Mitty"
    (Film)
  • Walter Sobchak
    ("The Big Lebowski," Film)
  • "Walter the Farting Dog"
    (Children's Book)

Places

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
    (Bethesda, Maryland, USA)
  • Walter Peak
    (Queenstown, New Zealand)
  • Lake Walter E. Long
    (Austin, Texas, USA)
  • Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
    (Roodepoort, South Africa)
  • Walter Bean Grand River Trail
    (Ontario, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Walter?

Walter means “ruler of the army” or “commander of the forces.” The name is often associated with leadership, strength, and a strategic mindset.

What Is the Origin of The Name Walter?

The name Walter has Germanic origins, derived from the Old High German elements “wald,” meaning “rule,” and “heri,” meaning “army.” It was introduced to England by the Normans and has been used since medieval times.

Walter Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Walter in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2712021#2692022#2672023
Top 3 Rankings#101914#111912#111913

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Walter

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023267
(+2 from 2022)
1272
(-5 from 2022)
0.06946
2022269
(+2 from 2021)
1277
(-4 from 2021)
0.06818
2021271
(+1 from 2020)
1281
(+42 from 2020)
0.06837
2020272
(+6 from 2019)
1239
(-43 from 2019)
0.06698
2019278
(-7 from 2018)
1282
(-31 from 2018)
0.06671
2018271
(-6 from 2017)
1313
(-53 from 2017)
0.06755
2017265
(+36 from 2016)
1366
(+195 from 2016)
0.06902
2016301
(+8 from 2015)
1171
(+14 from 2015)
0.05781
2015309
(+28 from 2014)
1157
(+170 from 2014)
0.05659
2014337
(+5 from 2013)
987
(+48 from 2013)
0.04816
2013342
(+34 from 2012)
939
(+136 from 2012)
0.04647
2012376
(-2 from 2011)
803
(+3 from 2011)
0.03957
2011374
(-2 from 2010)
800
(+16 from 2010)
0.03938
2010372
(+11 from 2009)
784
(-5 from 2009)
0.03816
2009383
(+10 from 2008)
789
(+25 from 2008)
0.03720
2008393
(-14 from 2007)
764
(-46 from 2007)
0.03504
2007379
(-23 from 2006)
810
(-40 from 2006)
0.03657
2006356
(+18 from 2005)
850
(+80 from 2005)
0.03877
2005374
(-9 from 2004)
770
(+4 from 2004)
0.03620
2004365
(-11 from 2003)
766
(-9 from 2003)
0.03625
2003354
(-24 from 2002)
775
(-58 from 2002)
0.03688
2002330
(+5 from 2001)
833
(+7 from 2001)
0.04031
2001335
(-27 from 2000)
826
(-123 from 2000)
0.03993
2000308
(+2 from 1999)
949
(+31 from 1999)
0.04544
1999310
(+1 from 1998)
918
(+22 from 1998)
0.04502
1998311
(-38 from 1997)
896
(-131 from 1997)
0.04419
1997273
(-1 from 1996)
1027
(-8 from 1996)
0.05141
1996272
(-7 from 1995)
1035
(-27 from 1995)
0.05165
1995265
(-15 from 1994)
1062
(-90 from 1994)
0.05280
1994250
(-30 from 1993)
1152
(-204 from 1993)
0.05652
1993220
(-2 from 1992)
1356
(-65 from 1992)
0.06565
1992218
(-19 from 1991)
1421
(-118 from 1991)
0.06769
1991199
(-8 from 1990)
1539
(-75 from 1990)
0.07261
1990191
(-7 from 1989)
1614
(+3 from 1989)
0.07500
1989184
(-9 from 1988)
1611
(+1 from 1988)
0.07686
1988175
(-1 from 1987)
1610
(+36 from 1987)
0.08041
1987174
(-18 from 1986)
1574
(-141 from 1986)
0.08071
1986156
(+7 from 1985)
1715
(+26 from 1985)
0.08924
1985163
(-2 from 1984)
1689
(-1 from 1984)
0.08777
1984161
(-7 from 1983)
1690
(-77 from 1983)
0.09005
1983154
(-7 from 1982)
1767
(-145 from 1982)
0.09482
1982147
(-9 from 1981)
1912
(-78 from 1981)
0.10132
1981138
(-1 from 1980)
1990
(-20 from 1980)
0.10685
1980137
(-9 from 1979)
2010
(-112 from 1979)
0.10837
1979128
(+3 from 1978)
2122
(+131 from 1978)
0.11846
1978131
(-8 from 1977)
1991
(-194 from 1977)
0.11653
1977123
(+3 from 1976)
2185
(+82 from 1976)
0.12783
1976126
(-15 from 1975)
2103
(-256 from 1975)
0.12881
1975111
(-7 from 1974)
2359
(-128 from 1974)
0.14540
1974104
(-3 from 1973)
2487
(-141 from 1973)
0.15255
1973101
(-3 from 1972)
2628
(-288 from 1972)
0.16286
197298
(-7 from 1971)
2916
(-440 from 1971)
0.17419
197191
(-2 from 1970)
3356
(-228 from 1970)
0.18461
197089
(-5 from 1969)
3584
(+14 from 1969)
0.18816
196984
(-1 from 1968)
3570
(-19 from 1968)
0.19517
196883
(-2 from 1967)
3589
(-221 from 1967)
0.20215
196781
(+2 from 1966)
3810
(-244 from 1966)
0.21411
196683
(-1 from 1965)
4054
(-430 from 1965)
0.22304
196582
(-2 from 1964)
4484
(-362 from 1964)
0.23667
196480
(-3 from 1963)
4846
(-219 from 1963)
0.23907
196377
(+2 from 1962)
5065
(-215 from 1962)
0.24532
196279
(-5 from 1961)
5280
(-185 from 1961)
0.25123
196174
(-4 from 1960)
5465
(-299 from 1960)
0.25336
196070
(-4 from 1959)
5764
(-363 from 1959)
0.26619
195966
(-3 from 1958)
6127
(-188 from 1958)
0.28281
195863
(-5 from 1957)
6315
(-390 from 1957)
0.29306
195758
(-5 from 1956)
6705
(-316 from 1956)
0.30632
195653
(-2 from 1955)
7021
(-279 from 1955)
0.32713
195551
(-2 from 1954)
7300
(-185 from 1954)
0.34924
195449
(-4 from 1953)
7485
(-25 from 1953)
0.36175
195345
(-1 from 1952)
7510
(-389 from 1952)
0.37508
195244
(-2 from 1951)
7899
(-138 from 1951)
0.40030
195142
(-2 from 1950)
8037
(+240 from 1950)
0.42042
195040
(-3 from 1949)
7797
(-499 from 1949)
0.42869
194937
(-2 from 1948)
8296
(-332 from 1948)
0.46038
194835
(-1 from 1947)
8628
(-588 from 1947)
0.48397
194734
(-4 from 1946)
9216
(+548 from 1946)
0.49613
194630
(-3 from 1945)
8668
(+1093 from 1945)
0.52521
194527
(-1 from 1944)
7575
(-583 from 1944)
0.55233
194426
No change from 1943
8158
(-879 from 1943)
0.58726
194326
No change from 1942
9037
(+357 from 1942)
0.62126
194226
No change from 1941
8680
(+934 from 1941)
0.61635
194126
(-1 from 1940)
7746
(+23 from 1940)
0.61728
194025
No change from 1939
7723
(+400 from 1939)
0.65109
193925
(+1 from 1938)
7323
(-236 from 1938)
0.64616
193826
No change from 1937
7559
(+74 from 1937)
0.66512
193726
No change from 1936
7485
(-51 from 1936)
0.68441
193626
(-3 from 1935)
7536
(-280 from 1935)
0.70807
193523
(-2 from 1934)
7816
(-276 from 1934)
0.73075
193421
No change from 1933
8092
(+337 from 1933)
0.76201
193321
No change from 1932
7755
(-913 from 1932)
0.76015
193221
(-1 from 1931)
8668
(-272 from 1931)
0.80675
193120
(-1 from 1930)
8940
(-790 from 1930)
0.83569
193019
No change from 1929
9730
(-121 from 1929)
0.86143
192919
(-1 from 1928)
9851
(-800 from 1928)
0.88939
192818
(-1 from 1927)
10651
(-695 from 1927)
0.93335
192717
No change from 1926
11346
(-428 from 1926)
0.97649
192617
(-1 from 1925)
11774
(-356 from 1925)
1.02790
192516
No change from 1924
12130
(-566 from 1924)
1.05348
192416
No change from 1923
12696
(+263 from 1923)
1.08603
192316
(-1 from 1922)
12433
(-198 from 1922)
1.09806
192215
No change from 1921
12631
(-373 from 1921)
1.12256
192115
(-2 from 1920)
13004
(-290 from 1920)
1.14278
192013
(-2 from 1919)
13294
(+415 from 1919)
1.20769
191911
No change from 1918
12879
(-459 from 1918)
1.26846
191811
No change from 1917
13338
(+756 from 1917)
1.27192
191711
No change from 1916
12582
(+822 from 1916)
1.31157
191611
No change from 1915
11760
(+505 from 1915)
1.27377
191511
(-1 from 1914)
11255
(+2293 from 1914)
1.27763
191410
(+1 from 1913)
8962
(+2072 from 1913)
1.31154
191311
No change from 1912
6890
(+1081 from 1912)
1.28486
191211
(+1 from 1911)
5809
(+2735 from 1911)
1.28673
191112
(+1 from 1910)
3074
(+478 from 1910)
1.27343
191013
(-1 from 1909)
2596
(+309 from 1909)
1.24499
190912
No change from 1908
2287
(+95 from 1908)
1.29309
190812
No change from 1907
2192
(+97 from 1907)
1.31757
190712
No change from 1906
2095
(+161 from 1906)
1.32107
190612
No change from 1905
1934
(+32 from 1905)
1.34244
190512
No change from 1904
1902
(+29 from 1904)
1.32791
190412
No change from 1903
1873
(+33 from 1903)
1.35232
190312
No change from 1902
1840
(-18 from 1902)
1.42281
190212
No change from 1901
1858
(+140 from 1901)
1.39962
190112
No change from 1900
1718
(-580 from 1900)
1.48626
190012
No change from 1899
2298
(+548 from 1899)
1.41743
189912
(+1 from 1898)
1750
(-252 from 1898)
1.51918
189813
(-1 from 1897)
2002
(+107 from 1897)
1.51553
189712
(+1 from 1896)
1895
(-122 from 1896)
1.55402
189613
No change from 1895
2017
(+2 from 1895)
1.56272
189513
No change from 1894
2015
(+5 from 1894)
1.59110
189413
No change from 1893
2010
(+6 from 1893)
1.60939
189313
No change from 1892
2004
(-225 from 1892)
1.65564
189213
No change from 1891
2229
(+561 from 1891)
1.69568
189113
No change from 1890
1668
(-237 from 1890)
1.52656
189013
No change from 1889
1905
(-11 from 1889)
1.59148
188913
No change from 1888
1916
(-124 from 1888)
1.60965
188813
No change from 1887
2040
(+336 from 1887)
1.57035
188713
No change from 1886
1704
(-176 from 1886)
1.55886
188613
No change from 1885
1880
(+72 from 1885)
1.57929
188513
No change from 1884
1808
(-94 from 1884)
1.55936
188413
No change from 1883
1902
(+197 from 1883)
1.54964
188313
No change from 1882
1705
(-100 from 1882)
1.51589
188213
No change from 1881
1805
(+135 from 1881)
1.47913
188113
No change from 1880
1670
(-85 from 1880)
1.54235
188013
First SSA data recorded
1755
First SSA data recorded
1.48228

American States Popularity Rankings for Walter

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3342021#4202022#3122023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3342021#3902022#2632023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2542021#2792022#2272023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3762021#3372022#3532023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2462021#3332022#2422023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4122021#3792022#3832023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3262021#4242022#3762023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2112021#2472022#2482023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2462021#3382022#3372023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2052021#2672022#2232023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3792021#2992022#3232023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2182021#2242022#2422023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2262021#2292022#2022023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5352021#2042022#2082023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3872021#2232022#2622023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3562021#4872022#4262023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2222021#2412022#1842023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3052021#2392022#2932023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2302021#2552022#2562023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2962021#2662022#4262023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3102021#3172022#2922023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1472021#1402022#1372023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#2432021#2052022#2432023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2512021#2312022#3142023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1182021#1012022#1312023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3652021#4582022#4262023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4002021#5452022#2942023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3992018#3942019#3802023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2252021#1902022#1942023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2252021#1502022#2722023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2762021#2312022#2162023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1882021#1552022#1982023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1792021#1802022#1832023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1382021#892022#1932023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1712021#1872022#2982023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2352015#2282020#2332021

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2322021#1832022#2202023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#6322021#4422022#5122023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#3292006#2822014#2932021

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1812020#1432022#1562023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1112020#1262021#782022

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1722021#2112022#1992023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1102019#2512021#2372023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2572021#2192022#2112023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4252018#3582021#4162022

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1812002#1962007#2352014

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3492021#2302022#1202023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1231988#1171990#1451994

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1522017#2032018#1272021

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1191980#1022016#952023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4982021#3632022#3852023

Popularity Rankings for Walter in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Medieval England

Medieval England flagMedieval England#81377-1381

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#112021#402022#322023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#311950#281951#291952

Popularity in Denmark

Denmark flagDenmark#482021#442022#44First half of 2023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1482021#1142022#1772023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1951998#1501999#1822000

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1871971#1611972#1701973

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2302021#1652022#2072023

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1692005#1982006#1902007

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1871999#1982000#1842001

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2052021#2532022#2302023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#2712019#2922020#3022021

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3502017#5642018#4462023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#3992010#5452011#4642013

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4642019#4772021#4822023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#4982021#5722022#4722023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9602020#7082021#6712022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#9872005#9462012#9882017

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Walter a Name for Boys or Girls?

Walter is predominantly a male name, representing its historical usage and association with male rulers and leaders.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Walter

  • Walther
  • Walden
  • Waldemar
  • Wally
  • Walton
  • Watty
  • Wally
  • Waldo
  • Wally
  • Waltie
  • Walt
  • Wally
  • Wat
  • Wallie
  • Teri
  • Peregrine
  • Leif
  • Ansel
  • Stellan
  • Hawke
  • Caspian

Walter in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Walter Cronkite (Journalist, 1916–2009): An American broadcast journalist who was the anchor for CBS Evening News for nearly two decades.
  • Walter White (Civil Rights Leader, 1893–1955): An American civil rights leader and executive secretary of the NAACP, instrumental in the fight against lynching.
  • Walter Matthau (Actor, 1920–2000): An American actor best known for his comedic roles in films like "The Odd Couple."
  • Walter Scott (Writer, 1771–1832): A Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright, famous for works such as "Ivanhoe" and "Rob Roy."
  • Walter Payton (Athlete, 1954–1999): An American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears, regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time.
  • Walter Gropius (Architect, 1883–1969): A German architect and founder of the Bauhaus School, influential in modernist architecture.
  • Walter Benjamin (Philosopher, 1892–1940): A German Jewish philosopher, cultural critic, and essayist, recognized for his contributions to aesthetic theory and literary criticism.
  • Walter Reuther (Labor Leader, 1907–1970): An American labor leader who played a major role in the development of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the American labor movement.
  • Walter White ("Breaking Bad," 2008 TV Series): A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer.
  • Walter Bishop ("Fringe," 2008 TV Series): A brilliant but mentally unstable scientist who works on fringe science investigations.
  • "Walter Mitty" (1947 Film): Follows the escapades of a daydreamer who imagines himself in various adventurous situations.
  • Walter Sobchak ("The Big Lebowski," 1998 Film): A Vietnam War veteran with a temper who is a loyal friend to the protagonist.
  • "Walter the Farting Dog" (2001 Children's Book): A humorous story about a dog with a unique problem that ultimately becomes a hero.
  • Walter Peck ("Ghostbusters," 1984 Film): An Environmental Protection Agency agent who becomes an antagonist to the Ghostbusters.
  • Walter Skinner ("The X-Files," 1993 TV Series): An FBI assistant director who assists and supervises Mulder and Scully in their investigations.
  • "Walter" (2015 Film): A quirky drama about a ticket-taker at a movie theater who believes he is the son of God.
  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, Maryland, USA): A prominent military medical center providing care for U.S. military personnel.
  • Walter Peak (Queenstown, New Zealand): A high peak in the Southern Alps, accessible by boat across Lake Wakatipu.
  • Walter E. Long Lake (Austin, Texas, USA): A reservoir used for recreation and industrial purposes in Austin.
  • Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (Roodepoort, South Africa): A botanical garden home to numerous plant species and the Witpoortjie Waterfall.
  • Walter Pyramid (Long Beach, California, USA): An iconic, blue, pyramid-shaped sports arena at California State University, Long Beach.
  • Walterboro City (South Carolina, USA): A small city in Colleton County, renowned for its historic homes and buildings.
  • Walter Bean Grand River Trail (Ontario, Canada): A scenic trail along the Grand River, perfect for hiking and cycling.
  • Walter Hill Dam (Tennessee, USA): A historic dam on the East Fork of the Stones River in Rutherford County.

Similar Names to Walter

Sibling Names for Walter