Although there are probably many different definitions of the name 'Walter', it is known to be of Germanic origin, usually with a meaning of "Mightly Warrior" or "Ruler of the Army".
The boy's first name Walter is an old German name in origin and has been used for centuries. It was brought to England by the Normans a thousand years ago and has been in constant use ever since. It was very popular around the time of the First World War up until the 1930s and 1940s but is not so popular now.
The American use of the name is to often shorten it to Walt, which sounds a lot more 'cool'. Walt Disney the famous cartoonist bore this first name, as did the famous actor Walter Matthau.
The American use of the name is to often shorten it to Walt, which sounds a lot more 'cool'. Walt Disney the famous cartoonist bore this first name, as did the famous actor Walter Matthau.