Walter
WAWL-ter
A classic Germanic name meaning “powerful warrior.”
Meaning
Walter comes from a Germanic name built from elements meaning “ruler” or “power” and “army” or “warrior.” In the 1884 source it is glossed directly as “powerful warrior,” and related forms such as Waltfrid are given a parallel “powerful peace” sense.
Origin
EnglishGermanicmasculine
Fun fact
The name spread widely across Europe, producing forms like Gaelic Bhaltair and French Gautier/Vautier.
Confidence: sourced. Sources: History of Christian Names, Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland.