Walter

Walter is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German Walther, from Proto-Germanic *Walþari, a compound commonly interpreted as meaning “ruler of the army” or “power of the army,” with elements associated with rulership or army. The form entered English via medieval Latin or French, and has many variants, including Walther, Waldo, and Valter in other languages. Diminutives include Walt and Wally, with Walt often used as a standalone nickname for Walter.

In use, Walter has been common in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, remaining widely used through the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also common in Germany and Northern Europe, with local spellings such as Valter in some languages. The name has produced numerous notable bearers across various fields and eras.

Notable people named Walter include Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish novelist and poet (1771–1832); Walter Cronkite, American broadcast journalist (1916–2009); Walter Reed, American physician (1851–1902) who helped identify malaria transmission by mosquitoes; Walter Mondale, American politician (1928–2021); and Walter Benjamin, German-French philosopher (1892–1940). In business and industry, Walter P. Chrysler was a prominent American industrialist linked to the automobile industry.

In fiction, Walter is used for several well-known characters, such as Walter White from Breaking Bad; Walter Mitty from James Thurber’s short story; and Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski. The name is also the root of the common nickname “Walt,” exemplified by figures like Walt Disney.