Wouter

Wouter is a masculine given name, primarily used in the Netherlands and in Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium (Flanders). It is the Dutch form of the Germanic name Walter and is widely regarded as a variant of that name.

Etymology: Wouter derives from the Old High German names Walther or Walthar, which in turn come from Proto-Germanic elements meaning “power” or “ruler” and “army” or “warrior.” The combination is commonly interpreted as “ruler of the army” or “strong in battle.”

Usage: The name has a long-standing presence in Dutch history and remains common today in Dutch-speaking regions. A common short form is Wout. The spelling Wouter is standard, while the name is rarely used outside the Dutch-speaking world except among Dutch-speaking communities abroad.

Cognates and variants: English Walter, German Walther, and other Germanic forms are cognate. In Dutch, related diminutives include Wout, and occasionally Woutertje as a playful diminutive.

See also: Walter (name); Wouter (disambiguation).