velter

Velter is a surname of European origin. The exact etymology is not definitively established, but it is commonly regarded as a regional variant of the given name Walter. The form may have arisen through phonetic shifts and spelling practices in Germanic-speaking areas and in neighboring regions where names were adapted into local orthographies.

Historical records show Velter in various parts of central and western Europe dating from the late Middle Ages, with later occurrences linked to migration and settlement patterns. In contemporary usage, Velter remains relatively uncommon. Its geographic distribution is concentrated in parts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, with smaller clusters reported in other European countries and among emigrant communities abroad.

The surname is typically passed patrilineally and may appear in different spellings due to regional dialects and transliteration. In genealogical research, Velter is often examined alongside variants such as Walter, Walther, or Walterson depending on archival sources.

See also: Walter, Valter.