Name meaning & stats
Walter
Walter means “ruler of the army” (Germanic origin). 285,013 US babies since 1940, peak 1947. Notable Walters are 1.4× over-represented as writers.
What it means
“ruler of the army”
GermanicWell documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 1947
285,013 US babies were named Walter between 1940 and 2025.
Where Walters end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.0× | High · 42 people |
| Professor | 1.4× | High · 38 people |
| Writer | 1.4× | High · 38 people |
| Basketball player | 1.2× | High · 37 people |
Among notable men who are writers, Walters show up 1.4× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Walter has a surprise career: 1.5×
Name twins (peaked around 1947)