Walter
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Ruler of the army or powerful warrior
Origin: Old Germanic
Popularity: Ranked #252 in 2025 with 1,381 babies born.
History: Walter derives from the Old High German 'Waldhar,' combining 'wald' (rule/power) and 'heri' (army). Introduced to England by the Normans, it was one of the most popular names of the medieval period. It was borne by Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Walter Scott. Though less common today, it maintains a classic, distinguished reputation.
Famous people named Walter: Walter White (Breaking Bad character)
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Walter? About 1 in 2,410 babies born in 2025 were named Walter, or roughly 3.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Walter
What does the name Walter mean?
Walter means “Ruler of the army or powerful warrior” from Old Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Walter?
Walter has Old Germanic origin. The traditional meaning is “Ruler of the army or powerful warrior”.
How popular is Walter?
Walter ranked #251 in 2025 — given to 1,381 babies that year.
When was Walter most popular?
Walter peaked in 1918 with 13,338 babies registered that year.
Is Walter a boy or girl name?
Walter is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Walters in registered births are male.
Is the name Walter rising or falling in popularity?
Walter has risen 21 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #272 in 2020 to #251 in 2025.
How long has Walter been recorded?
Walter appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.