What does Waller mean and where does it come from?
Waller is primarily a surname that has been adapted as a given name in modern usage. In Old English, it comes from the elements 'weall,' meaning 'wall,' and 'er,' which refers to a person who does something. Notable people with the name Waller include the American politician John Waller and the musi
Cultural significance
Waller has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of an anglo-saxon surname meaning 'a wall builder'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2090 in 1913 — currently #1446 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Waller?
Waller works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Waller Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Waller Rose
Floral · soft ending
Waller Mae
Sweet · timeless
Waller Claire
French influence · crisp
Waller Jane
Literary · strong
Waller Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Waller right now?
Holding steady — currently #1446 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1446 | 754 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1451 | 734 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1456 | 704 | ▲ up 2316 · +11633% births |
| 1930 | #3772 | 6 | ▼ down 706 · -33% births |
| 1925 | #3066 | 9 | ▲ up 266 · +13% births |
| 1920 | #3332 | 8 | ▼ down 753 · -20% births |
| 1915 | #2579 | 10 | — |
The story of Waller
Waller entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 225 total births recorded, Waller remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2579 in 1915 to #1446 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Waller in 1913:
Waller by decade
Waller peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 48 | |
| 1920s ★ | 92 | |
| 1930s | 47 | |
| 1940s | 11 | |
| 1950s | 21 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
💎Waller has only 225 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Waller?
What names sound and feel like Waller?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Waller also consider these
Common questions about the name Waller
What does the name Waller mean?
Waller means "an Anglo-Saxon surname meaning 'a wall builder'" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Waller?
Waller is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Waller?
Waller originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Waller?
Waller is a two-syllable name pronounced W AO1 L ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Waller a common or rare name?
Waller is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.