Origin & Meaning of the Walter Surname
What does the last name Walter mean?
The surname Walter carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 48,024 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Walter ranks as the #727 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Walter come from?
The Walter surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Walter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Walter trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Walter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #727 |
| US Count (2010) | 48,024 |
| Per 100K People | 16.28 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Walter
According to the US Census, the Walter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 48,024 Americans with the Walter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.57% |
| Black | 6.2% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.94% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 1.42% |
Popularity of Walter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Walter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Walter surname increased by 409 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Walter
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