Walter Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Walter surname: its meaning, its roots in Germany, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Walter name
Walter comes from a Germanic personal name joining wald, "rule", and hari, "army". It was popular across medieval German-speaking Europe and became a widespread patronymic surname. The name is common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and was also taken to England by the Normans.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Walter name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Walter name in Germany. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Austria and Switzerland; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Walter family history
The researched Walter pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Walter coat of arms.
Walter name FAQ
What does the Walter name mean?
Ruler of the army. Common variants include Walther, Wolter, Walters.
Where does the Walter surname come from?
It originates in Germany, and is also found in the United States, Austria and Switzerland.
Is there a Walter coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Walter crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Walter coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Duden Familiennamen; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames.