Walter is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German name Walthari, which is composed of two elements: wald, meaning "rule," and hari, meaning "army." Therefore, Walter can be translated as "ruler of the army" or "commander of the troops."
The name Walter was introduced to Britain during the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded England. It became popular among the nobility and was used by several notable families over the centuries.
One of the earliest known figures with the name Walter is Saint Walter of Pontoise, a French bishop who lived in the 12th century. He is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on November 8th.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Walter, including:
* Walter Scott (1771-1832), a Scottish novelist and poet who wrote works such as "Ivanhoe" and "The Lady of the Lake."
* Walter Gropius (1883-1969), a German-American architect known for founding the Bauhaus school and designing buildings like the Pan Am Building in New York City.
* Walter Cronkite (1916-2009), an American broadcast journalist who served as the anchor of CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981.
Walter remains a popular choice for boys' names today, appearing in various forms such as Wallace, Walther, and Walther. It has been consistently ranked among the top 500 baby boy names in the United States since the 1970s.
The name Walter has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with over 628,508 babies given this name since 1880. The peak of its popularity came in the early 1900s, specifically in 1917 and 1918 when it was given to over 13,000 newborns each year. This period coincides with World War I, suggesting that the name may have been influenced by patriotic sentiments or a desire for traditional, strong-sounding names.
Interestingly, Walter experienced a significant drop in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, with fewer than 10,000 births each year. This trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s, with the name being given to fewer than 7,000 babies annually.
However, in recent years, Walter has seen a resurgence in popularity. After reaching a low point of just 826 births in 2001, the name began to gain traction once again, with over 1,000 babies named Walter each year since then. In 2021 and 2022, the name was given to over 1,200 newborns each year, demonstrating that it continues to be a popular choice for parents.
Overall, these statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Walter has ebbed and flowed over the past century and a half. While it may not currently rank among the most popular names in the United States, its long history of use demonstrates that it remains a classic choice with enduring appeal.