Walter
Walter is a boy name of Germanic, via Norman French origin, meaning “Ruler of the army”.
| Meaning | Ruler of the army |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Germanic, via Norman French |
| Pronunciation | WAWL-ter |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, Germany, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Walter
Walter comes from the Germanic elements wald 'rule' and hari 'army'. The Normans brought it to England, where it became very common in the Middle Ages. Famous bearers include the Elizabethan explorer Sir Walter Raleigh and the novelist Sir Walter Scott. It has recently returned to fashion as a vintage name.
Is Walter a religious name?
Walter is a general name of Germanic origin; it has no particular religious background.
How popular is Walter?
Classic and enjoying a modest revival.
Gifts with the name Walter
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Walter
Names similar to Walter
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Walter mean?
Walter means 'Ruler of the army'. It is of Germanic, via Norman French origin.
Does Walter have a religious meaning?
Walter is a general name of Germanic origin; it has no particular religious background.
How do you pronounce Walter?
Walter is pronounced WAWL-ter.
Is Walter a boy or girl name?
Walter is usually a boy name.