Walter is a classic male given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the German word "waldar", which means "ruler of the army". The name Walter has been widely used throughout history, particularly in medieval Europe.
The popularity of the name Walter can be attributed to several historical figures who bore this name. One of the most notable was Walter of Aquitaine, also known as Walter the Penniless, who was a French nobleman and crusader during the 12th century. Another famous bearer of the name was Walter Scott, the Scottish novelist and poet who is best known for his historical novels such as "Ivanhoe" and "Rob Roy".
Throughout history, the name Walter has been associated with strength, leadership, and wisdom. It has been a popular choice among parents looking to give their children a classic and timeless name with a strong meaning.
Today, Walter continues to be used as a given name for boys in many parts of the world. While its popularity has varied over time, it remains a beloved and respected name that carries with it a rich history and powerful meaning.
The name Walter has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 1995, there were a total of 3,632 babies named Walter born in the US.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the name's popularity has fluctuated over time. In the early years, from 1880 to 1888, there were between 5 and 12 births per year with an average of around 9 births per year. However, in the following decade (1890-1900), the number of babies named Walter started to increase, reaching a peak of 21 births in 1907.
The early 20th century saw a significant rise in popularity for the name Walter. Between 1912 and 1925, there were between 66 and 100 births per year, with an average of around 85 births per year during this period. The peak was reached in 1925 with 100 babies named Walter.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after the mid-1930s. From 1936 onwards, the number of annual births decreased significantly, reaching a low point of just 6 births in 1995.
Despite this decline, Walter remains a classic and timeless name that has been given to thousands of babies over more than a century in the United States. It is clear that parents have appreciated the unique qualities associated with this name, making it a lasting choice for generations.