Walter

Origin and meaning of Walter

Walter is of Germanic origin, from the blend of wald ('power, command') and hari ('army'): it means 'commander of the army, leader'. Having reached Italy through the Lombards and Normans (where it also gave Gualtiero), the name later spread in its German and English form, Walter. It is common in Germany, the English-speaking countries and Italy, where it has a modern, international tone. Variants include the Italian Gualtiero, the French Gauthier and the Scandinavian Valter.

Variants around the world

How Walter is said in other languages.

Famous people

• Walter Scott— writer
• Walter Gropius— architect