Are you searching for a classic, strong, and unique name for your baby boy? Look no further than Walter! This Germanic name has grown in popularity in recent decades, yet it still remains unique. Walter means “commander of the army,” and it has a long history of use in various cultures.
Derived from Old High German Walthari, Walter is composed of the elements walt- meaning “power” or “ruler,” and hari meaning “army.” In medieval German tales, Walter of Aquitaine was a heroic king of the Visigoths. The name was also borne by an 11th-century French saint, Walter of Pontoise. With such a rich history and strong meaning, it’s no wonder that Walter has remained a popular name choice for parents.
Origin of the Name Walter
The name Walter is of Germanic origin and is derived from two elements: “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”. The name Walter means “commander of the army” or “ruler of the army”. The name was first popularized by the famous epic German hero Walther von Aquitaine and later with the writer Walther von der Vogelweide.
The name Walter has been used in various cultures and languages, including English, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Polish, and Italian. It has been a popular name in German-speaking communities, where it is pronounced as “VAL-tu” or “VAL-tehr”.
The name Walter has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and writer, and Walter Cronkite, an American journalist. The name has also been used in popular culture, with characters named Walter appearing in various books, movies, and TV shows.
Overall, the name Walter has a strong and commanding sound, and its meaning of “commander of the army” reflects its origins in Germanic culture.
Meaning of Walter
Walter is a Germanic name that means “commander of the army.” The name is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army.” It is a popular name in German, Swedish, and English-speaking communities.
In medieval German tales, Walter of Aquitaine is a heroic king of the Visigoths. The name was also borne by an 11th-century French saint, Walter of Pontoise. The name was first popularized by the famous epic German hero Walther von Aquitaine and later with the writer Walther von der Vogelweide.
The name Walter is associated with qualities like power, authority, and strength. It has been used for many notable people throughout history, including writers, actors, and musicians.
Some famous people who bear the name Walter include Walter Cronkite, a renowned journalist, and Walter Matthau, a famous actor. The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the television show Breaking Bad, where the main character is named Walter White.
In summary, Walter is a strong and powerful name with a rich history and association with leadership and authority. It has been used for many notable people throughout history and continues to be a popular name choice for parents today.
Popularity of the Name Walter
Walter is a classic name that has been around for centuries. It is a name that has stood the test of time and has remained popular throughout the years. Let’s take a look at the popularity of the name Walter over time.
According to the Social Security Administration, Walter was a popular name in the early 1900s. It was in the top 20 most popular names for boys from 1900 to 1920. It remained in the top 100 most popular names for boys until the 1970s. In recent years, however, the popularity of the name Walter has declined.
In 2020, Walter was ranked as the 310th most popular name for boys in the United States. While it is not as popular as it once was, it is still a name that is chosen by many parents.
One reason for the decline in popularity could be the association with an older generation. However, the name Walter has been making a comeback in recent years. It is a name that is seen as traditional, strong, and masculine.
Overall, the popularity of the name Walter has fluctuated over time, but it remains a classic name that has stood the test of time.
Famous People Named Walter
The name Walter has been used by many notable figures throughout history. Here are just a few examples:
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Walter Cronkite: An American journalist who was often referred to as “the most trusted man in America” for his work as a news anchor and correspondent. He reported on some of the most significant events of the 20th century, including the Vietnam War and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
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Walter Matthau: An American actor who appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was known for his comedic roles, and his collaborations with Jack Lemmon were particularly popular.
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Walter Payton: A former American football player who is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He played for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
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Walter Scott: A Scottish novelist and poet who is often credited with popularizing the historical novel. His works, such as “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy,” were hugely successful during his lifetime and continue to be read today.
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Walter White: A fictional character from the television series “Breaking Bad.” He is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer. The character was played by Bryan Cranston and has become a cultural icon.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people who have been named Walter. The name has a long and rich history, and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
Variations of the Name Walter
Walter is a classic and traditional name that has been around for centuries. As such, it has evolved over time and has taken on various forms and variations. Here are some of the most common variations of the name Walter:
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Walt: This is a shortened form of the name Walter and is often used as a nickname. It is a simple and friendly name that is easy to say and remember.
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Wally: Another common nickname for Walter is Wally. This name has a more playful and fun feel to it, and is often used by close friends and family members.
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Valter: This is the Scandinavian variation of the name Walter. It has a unique and exotic sound to it, and is a popular name in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
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Gualterio: This is the Spanish and Portuguese variation of the name Walter. It has a romantic and elegant sound to it, and is often used in Hispanic cultures.
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Vladimir: This is the Slavic variation of the name Walter. It has a strong and powerful sound to it, and is often associated with royalty and nobility.
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Ulrich: This is the Germanic variation of the name Walter. It has a strong and authoritative sound to it, and is often used as a first name or a surname.
Overall, the name Walter has many variations and forms, each with its own unique sound and feel. Whether you prefer the classic and traditional form of the name, or a more exotic and unique variation, there is a Walter name that is perfect for you.
Walter in Different Languages
The name Walter has been used in various languages and cultures around the world. Here are some of the translations of the name Walter in different languages:
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German: Walter is a Germanic name derived from the elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”. It is a popular name in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
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Swedish: Walter is a common name in Sweden, where it is spelled “Valter”. It is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “heri” meaning “army”.
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English: Walter is a popular name in English-speaking countries. It has been used since the Middle Ages and is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
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French: Walter is a name of Germanic origin that has been used in France since the Middle Ages. It is spelled “Gauthier” in French and is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
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Italian: Walter is a name of Germanic origin that has been used in Italy since the Middle Ages. It is spelled “Valtero” in Italian and is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
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Spanish: Walter is a name of Germanic origin that has been used in Spain since the Middle Ages. It is spelled “Gualterio” in Spanish and is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
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Portuguese: Walter is a name of Germanic origin that has been used in Portugal since the Middle Ages. It is spelled “Gualter” in Portuguese and is derived from the Germanic elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
In conclusion, the name Walter has been used in various languages and cultures around the world. It is a name of Germanic origin and is derived from the elements “wald” meaning “rule” and “hari” meaning “army”.
Cultural References to the Name Walter
The name Walter has been used in various cultural references throughout history. Here are a few examples:
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Literature: Walter is a popular name in literature. One of the most famous characters with this name is Walter White from the TV series Breaking Bad. The character is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future after he is diagnosed with cancer. Another famous literary character with this name is Walter Hartright from Wilkie Collins’ novel The Woman in White.
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Music: The name Walter has also been used in music. One of the most famous musicians with this name is Walter Becker, who was the co-founder and guitarist of the band Steely Dan. Becker was known for his innovative guitar playing and unique songwriting style. Another famous musician with this name is Walter Trout, who is a blues guitarist and singer.
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Film: Walter is also a popular name in the film industry. One of the most famous films with this name is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which is a 2013 American adventure comedy-drama film directed by and starring Ben Stiller. The film is based on James Thurber’s 1939 short story of the same name.
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History: There have been many notable historical figures with the name Walter. One of the most famous is Walter Raleigh, who was an English explorer, poet, and courtier. Raleigh is best known for his role in the exploration of the New World and for introducing tobacco to England. Another famous historical figure with this name is Walter Gropius, who was a German architect and founder of the Bauhaus School.
Overall, the name Walter has a rich cultural history and has been used in various forms of media and by notable historical figures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Walter has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is a classic, masculine name that has grown in popularity over the years but remains unique. Its Germanic origin and meaning of “commander of the army” give it a strong and powerful connotation.
The name Walter has been popularized by famous epic heroes such as Walther von Aquitaine and writers like Walther von der Vogelweide. It has also been borne by a French saint, Walter of Pontoise, in the 11th century.
Some common nicknames for the name Walter include Walt, Wally, and Willy. These names tend to evoke a sense of familiarity and warmth while still retaining the strength and power associated with the name Walter.
Overall, the name Walter holds a wealth of spiritual meaning and significance. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the name Walter?
The name Walter is of Germanic origin and means “commander of the army.” It was brought to England by the Normans and was a popular name in medieval times.
What are some popular nicknames for the name Walter?
Some popular nicknames for the name Walter include Wally, Walt, and Watt.
Is Walter a commonly used name today?
While Walter was a popular name in the past, it is not as commonly used today. However, it has seen a recent increase in popularity in some countries.
What is the meaning of the name Walter in the Bible?
The name Walter does not appear in the Bible.
What is the German translation for the name Walter?
The German translation for the name Walter is “Walt(h)er” or “Walthari”.
What is the spiritual significance of the name Walter?
There is no specific spiritual significance associated with the name Walter. However, some people believe that names can have an impact on a person’s character and destiny.