Walter

“ruler of the army”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#267US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

628.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Walter

WAW·lter

/ˈwɔ.ltɝ/ · stress on WAW · 2 syllables

“ruler of the army”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Walter mean and where does it come from?

Walter is traditionally a masculine name with Germanic roots. However, in modern settings, some have embraced it as a feminine name, possibly due to trends in gender-neutral naming. The name stems from the Old High German 'Waldhar,' composed of 'wald' (to rule) and 'heri' (army). Walter has remained

Cultural significance

Walter has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ruler of the army.

Peak popularity

Reached #528 in 1881 — currently #267 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Walter?

Walter works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Walter Grace

How popular is Walter right now?

Holding steady — currently #267 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#267 · Top 0.20%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

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1970

1975

1980

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2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#267	1,274	▲ up 2
2022	#269	1,278	▲ up 2
2021	#271	1,281	▲ up 11518 · +21250% births
1995	#11789	6	▼ down 1582 · -14% births
1990	#10207	7	▼ down 6223 · -65% births
1985	#3984	20	▲ up 537 · +25% births
1980	#4521	16	▼ down 1551 · -33% births
1975	#2970	24	▼ down 572 · -23% births
1970	#2398	31	▲ up 551 · +72% births
1965	#2949	18	▼ down 884 · -42% births
1960	#2065	31	▼ down 326 · -14% births
1955	#1739	36	▼ down 185
1950	#1554	36	▼ down 8 · +29% births
1945	#1546	28	▼ down 376 · -28% births
1940	#1170	39	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Walter

Best Year2023Rank #267

Peak Count1,281

Average Rank#2426

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202323 years

The story of Walter

Walter has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Over 628K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #675 in 1880 to #267 in 2023. Walter is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Walter in 1881:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Walter by decade

Walter peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	18,256
1890s	19,612
1900s	20,126
1910s	89,636
1920s ★	120,671
1930s	81,477
1940s	84,101
1950s	72,514
1960s	46,191
1970s	25,951
1980s	17,717
1990s	12,057
2000s	8,131
2010s	10,571
2020s	1,221

What are good nicknames for Walter?

ENGLISH

WallyWaltWat

FRISIAN

WateWatse

What names sound and feel like Walter?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Walter also consider these

Walker

American · One who walks

Walmer

American · A name derived

Carter

American · One who transports

Waller

United Kingdom · an Anglo-Saxon surname

American · guardian, keeper

Laster

American · one who lasts

How is Walter written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Walter

What does the name Walter mean?

Walter means "ruler of the army" — a name rooted in American 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 Walter?

Walter is currently ranked #267 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Walter?

Walter originates from American tradition. American 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 Walter?

Walter is a two-syllable name pronounced W AO1 L T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Walter more of a girl or boy name?

Walter is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.