What is the origin of the last name Walters?
Countries of origin for the last name Walters
The last name Walters is of English origin and is derived from the medieval given name Walter, which was brought to England by the Normans after the 1066 Norman Conquest. Walter itself is derived from the Old High German name “Waltari,” meaning “ruler of the army” or “rule-army.”
One of the earliest recorded instances of the Walters surname is found in the Domesday Book, a survey of England completed in 1086, where several individuals named Walter are listed. The surname Walters is considered patronymic in nature, meaning it was often used to indicate the son of a man named Walter.
The Walters surname has undergone various spelling variations throughout its history, including Walter, Walters, Waulter, Wouters, and Wattier, among others. These variations can be attributed to inconsistent spelling practices in early records, dialectal differences, and the influence of foreign languages.
Over time, individuals bearing the surname Walters migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States. As a result, the surname Walters can be found in various regions, particularly in English-speaking countries with historical connections to Britain.
It is interesting to note that the popularity of the name Walter declined in usage as a given name in the late Middle Ages and beyond. However, the surname Walters continued to be passed down through generations, contributing to its prevalence today.
As with many surnames, the meaning and significance of the name Walters can vary for different individuals and families. While the etymology provides insights into its historical origins and associations with leadership or military prowess, the personal significance of the surname may be shaped by individual family histories, migrations, and cultural influences.
The investigation of genealogy and surname etymology allows us to delve into the rich tapestry of human history and the diverse origins of our names. Although we may uncover fascinating facts and connections, there will always remain a sense of mystery and endless possibilities, reminding us of the complexities of our own identities and the stories of those who came before us.
Interesting facts about the last name Walters
- The surname Walters is of German origin, derived from the given name Walter.
- The name Walter itself comes from the Germanic elements “wald,” meaning “rule,” and “heri,” meaning “army” or “warrior,” giving the name an overall meaning of “ruler of the army.”
- The Walters surname is quite common in English-speaking countries, particularly in Wales, where it originated as a patronymic surname meaning “son of Walter.”
- Walters is the 132nd most common surname in the United States and the 128th most common surname in England.
- Notable individuals with the surname Walters include British journalist Robert Walters, American musician and composer Jonathan Walters, and American football player Patrick Walters.
- The Walters family name is also associated with various spellings, including Walter, Walthers, Wolters, and Wallters.
- In Scotland, the surname Walters is often associated with the Highlands, particularly the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris.
- During the Great Migration, many Walters families from England and Wales settled in the American colonies, contributing to the surname’s presence in the United States.
- There are many variations of the surname Walters in other languages, such as Valter (Portuguese), Valtr (Czech), and Gauthier (French).
- The surname Walters is believed to have originated in the 12th century, making it a relatively old surname with a rich history.
Name Rank
#350
There are around 89376 people with the last name Walters in the US