Walters

Walters is a surname of English origin, formed as a patronymic from the given name Walter. The given name Walter derives from the Old High German Walthari, traditionally interpreted as “ruler of the army” or “powerful warrior.” As a surname, Walters originally signified “son of Walter” and later became established as a family name in its own right. The name is well attested in England and Ireland and spread to North America and other parts of the world through migration, with numerous spelling variants and related names.

In modern times, Walters is found throughout the English-speaking world. It is carried by people in many professions and backgrounds, and it appears in the names of places and institutions reflecting family associations or founder names.

A prominent use of the name is the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The museum forms part of the city’s cultural heritage and originated from the private art collection of a Baltimore family named Walters; it opened as a public institution in the early 20th century and now houses a diverse collection ranging from ancient to 19th-century works.

Beyond the museum, Walters appears in various geographic and institutional names, including neighborhoods, towns, and philanthropic foundations named in honor of individuals bearing the surname.