Walt is a short form of Walter, an Anglo-Saxon name that means 'ruler of the army'. It's composed of two elements: 'weald', meaning 'rule' or 'power', and '-theow', which translates to 'army'. The name Walt has been popular throughout history, with notable bearers including renowned American animator Walt Disney. However, it's important to note that this popularity isn't reflected in current birth statistics, as its usage has declined since the mid-20th century.
The name Walt experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a significant increase starting around the late 1930s and peaking in the mid-1940s. After World War II, its usage gradually declined until it reached a low point in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Since then, there has been a resurgence in its popularity, with over 40 births each year from 2016 onwards.