Walter
Walter first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 13,338 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,381.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Walter popular?
Rising Walter has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 7,725 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 10,607 | |
| 2000s | 8,133 | |
| 1990s | 12,020 | |
| 1980s | 17,568 | |
| 1970s | 25,726 | |
| 1960s | 45,929 | |
| 1950s | 72,197 | |
| 1940s | 83,728 | |
| 1930s | 80,908 | |
| 1920s | 119,809 | |
| 1910s | 89,145 | |
| 1900s | 19,997 | |
| 1890s | 19,495 | |
| 1880s | 18,185 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Walter mean?
Walter is a Germanic name from wald (“rule”) and heri (“army”) — “ruler of the army.” The Normans brought it to England, where it thrived in the Middle Ages.
Nicknames for Walter
- Walt
- Wally
Variants & spellings
- Walther
- Gualtiero
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Frequently asked questions
Is Walter a boy or a girl name?
Walter is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Walter a popular name right now?
Walter has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Walter?
In 2025, Walter ranked #252 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Walter most popular?
Walter was most popular in 1918, when about 13,338 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Walter?
Common nicknames for Walter include Walt, Wally.