walter
n. countablen. a common traditional name for a man. It is an old-fashioned name that was very popular in English-speaking countries in the past.
n. a masculine given name of Germanic origin, meaning 'ruler of the army'. While historically common in the early 20th century, it is now often perceived as traditional or vintage.
My grandfather's name is Walter.
The author dedicated his latest novel to a man named Walter who had inspired the main character.
Historical records indicate that the name Walter was introduced to England by the Normans and remained a staple of the aristocracy for several centuries.
A Germanic name, from Middle English Walter, from Old Northern French Waltier, from Frankish Waltheri (compare Old High German Waltheri, which see for more details), from Proto-West Germanic Waldahari, from Proto-Germanic Waldaharjaz, from waldą (“ruler”) + *harjaz (“army, host”). Related to Old English Waldhere. Compare herald and Harold, in which these elements are reversed.
As a proper noun, it is almost always capitalized.