Walter

Walter means “ruler of the army,” a strong, classic name.

Walter - Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and Similar Names

WALTER is a classic Germanic name meaning “ruler of the army,” symbolizing strength, protection, and leadership. This page explores its meaning, origin, gender usage, popularity trends, and related names.

Gender Male
Origin German
Meaning Army, ruler
Popularity Moderate

Meaning of the Name Walter

The name Walter is traditionally associated with a command of great significance. Derived from the Old High German elements “wald” meaning wielder or ruler, and “her” meaning army or warrior, it paints the picture of a strong protector. As a result, it's a name that conveys strength and leadership, epitomizing those who act courageously and with decisive authority.

Origin of the Name Walter

The name Walter has its roots in Germany, descending from Old High German. It combines the elements “walt”, which means ruler, and “heri” for army, creating a symbol of power and command. The name traversed through time, maintaining its valiant essence as it became familiar in many other cultures, including English and French traditions.

'Walter' Name Tattoo Design Collection

Watercolor tattoo concept with the name walter forming fluid ink letters blending into colorful paint splashes on a white background.

Walter Watercolor Ink Flow Tattoo Concept

A vibrant watercolor tattoo concept where the name walter melts into flowing pigments and soft ink splashes on a clean white background.

Surrealist tattoo design of the name walter transforming into impossible architectural shapes on a white background.

Walter Surrealism Dreamscape Lettering Tattoo

A surrealist lettering tattoo where the name walter morphs into impossible dreamlike structures floating in empty white space.

Trash Polka style tattoo design of the name walter with bold black lettering, red accents, and grunge textures on white.

Walter Trash Polka Contrast Lettering Tattoo

A high-contrast Trash Polka tattoo concept featuring the name walter in bold distressed lettering with red graphic accents and splattered textures on a white background.

Abstract dimensional black and gray tattoo concept of the name walter with sculpted interlocking letters on a white background.

Walter AI-Original-Style Abstract Dimensional Lettering Tattoo

An elegant abstract dimensional tattoo concept where the name walter appears as sculpted interlocking letters with refined shading on white.

Gender Association of the Name Walter

The name Walter is predominantly associated with the male gender, traditionally embraced in regions such as the United States and United Kingdom. Despite being less common for females, the strength it conveys transcends genders, and it has been adopted by a few notable women in varied cultures, highlighting an evolving linguistic landscape.

Popularity of the Name Walter

The name Walter had its peak popularity in the early 20th century, especially in America. Recent trends have seen a resurgence, with it climbing baby name charts steadily in regions like Germany and France. Its timeless roots evoke a sense of tradition, making it a favored choice among parents worldwide seeking names with historical resonance.

Global Usage of the Name Walter

The name Walter enjoys widespread usage in countries like Germany, Poland, and Italy, reflecting variations such as Valtteri in Finland. Though pronounced or spelled differently, the leadership connotation remains intact globally, often associated with prominent figures in literature, sports, and politics.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Walter across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

Brazil 29.3%
♀ Female: 0.73% ♂ Male: 99.27%
United States 24.43%
♀ Female: 0.5% ♂ Male: 99.5%
Italy 4.77%
♀ Female: 0.96% ♂ Male: 99.04%
Paraguay 4.32%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
Mexico 3.85%
♀ Female: 0.4% ♂ Male: 99.6%

Country-specific data analysis on gender and popularity is sourced from Gender API.

Similar Names Related with the Name Walter

  1. W

    Walton

    Similar in sound, Walton signifies a 'fortified town,' hinting at a place of strength and protection.

  2. W

    Walker

    Derived from the surname, it echoes journeying and a sense of adventure.

  3. W

    Waldo

    A linguistically akin name meaning ruler, reflecting leadership qualities.

  4. W

    Waldemar

    Rooted in Germanic elements, Waldemar signifies a famous ruler or leader.

  5. W

    Wilhelm

    Of German origin, it means resolve or absolute protection.

  6. W

    Watson

    Translating to ‘son of Walter,’ it bears familial lineage and a sense of heritage.

Characteristic Features of People Named Walter

Balance

Often exhibits a sound sense of judgment, achieving harmony in various situations.

Leadership

Naturally gravitates towards positions of influence, adept at guiding others.

Loyalty

Remarkably steadfast, Walter is known for unwavering support towards friends and family.

Common Career Paths for People Named Walter

Leadership Roles

Inclined towards executive and managerial positions, steering organizations to success.

Education

Many Walters are drawn to teaching, using their wisdom to impart knowledge.

Creative Arts

Some embrace creativity, blossoming in artistic pursuits like writing and film-making.

Unique and Interesting Characteristics of the Name Walter

  1. Hollywood

    The name Walter features prominently in films and TV shows, like Walter White in 'Breaking Bad.'

  2. Historical Figures

    Influential leaders such as Sir Walter Raleigh have borne the name, leaving lasting legacies.

  3. Royal Usage

    Associated with nobility, it's been a royal name in European monarchies.

Famous People Named Walter

  • Walter White: A character from the TV show 'Breaking Bad'
  • Walter Cronkite: Renowned American broadcast journalist.
  • Sir Walter Raleigh: Famous English explorer and writer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Walter

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Walter.

What is the meaning of Walter?

Walter is a name of German origin meaning 'ruler' or 'warrior'.

Where does the name Walter come from?

Walter originated in Germany, combining 'walt' meaning ruler and 'heri' meaning army.

Is Walter a male or female name?

Walter is primarily a male name, although it has been used for females in some contexts.

How popular is the name Walter?

Walter has been a popular choice in the early 20th century and has maintained a steady presence in several countries.

Is the name Walter used globally?

Walters are found in many countries with slight variations, commonly in Germany, Italy, and Poland.

What career paths are common for those named Walter?

Many Walters pursue leadership roles, education, and the creative arts.

What are common characteristics of people named Walter?

People named Walter often display balance, leadership, and loyalty.

What are similar names to Walter?

Names similar to Walter include Walton, Walker, Waldo, Waldemar, and Wilhelm.

Who are some famous people named Walter?

Famous Walters include journalist Walter Cronkite and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.