Walter: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced WAWL-ter · 2 syllables
Walter means “army ruler”, from Germanic.
A Germanic name, from Middle English Walter, from Old Northern French Waltier, from Frankish *Waltheri (compare Old High German Waltheri, which see for more details), from Proto-West Germanic *Waldahari, from Proto-Germanic *Waldaharjaz, from *walda (“ruler”) + *harjaz (“army, host”). Related to Old English Waldhere. Compare herald and Harold, in which these elements are reversed.
- Meaning
- army ruler
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- WAWL-ter
- US rank (2025)
- #251
- US babies a year
- about 1,297 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Walt, Wally
How popular is Walter?
Walter was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,381 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #251 |
| England & Wales | #293 |
| Scotland | #892 |
| Ireland | #780 |
| Norway | #106 |
| Canada | #324 |
| Australia | #164 |
How old are people named Walter?
Half of US adults named Walter are older than 67; most are between 30 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Walter
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Walter
What does the name Walter mean?
Walter means “army ruler”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Walter?
Walter is pronounced WAWL-ter.
How popular is the name Walter?
Walter was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,381 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Walter?
Half of US adults named Walter are older than 67. Most are between 30 and 88.