Walter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
England
Germany
Ireland

Etymology of Walter

What does the name Walter mean?

Walter is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Walter family name comes from the Germanic personal name Walter. The name is composed of the elements wald, meaning rule and heri, meaning army. 1 2

As far as the Watters variant is concerned, "upon the adoption of surnames by the common people, a person who resided near such a place would be called William or John Atte-Water, still retained in Attwater; but on the omission of the preposition in the XV. century, the name was pluralized to Waters. " 3

"Water was the normal medieval pronunciation of Walter." 4

Early Origins of the Walter family

The surname Walter was first found in Cambridgeshire where they held a family seat from early times as Lords of the manor or Crowhurst.

Walter of Lorraine (d. 1079), was Bishop of Hereford, a native of Lotharingia or Lorraine, was chaplain of Edith or Eadgyth (d. 1075), the Confessor's queen, and as a reward of his industry was appointed to the bishopric of Hereford at Christmas 1060. 5

Walter of Palermo (fl. 1170), was Archbishop of Palermo, primate and chancellor of Sicily, and was sent to Sicily by Henry II of England as an instructor for young William II of Sicily. 5

Hubert Walter (c.1160-1205) was Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor. Weeton in Lancashire was an early home of the family. "This place, in Domesday Book called Widetun, was early in the family of Walter." 6

"The church [of Woolvercott in Lancashire], situated on the bank of the Isis, has a sepulchral chapel on the north side, containing a stately monument to the family of Walter, of whom David Walter was High Sheriff of the county, and commanded a regiment of horse under Charles I. in the parliamentary war." 6

About the same time, Greenalgh with Thistleton, again in Lancashire was home to another branch of the family. It was here that the manor of Greenalgh-cum-Thistleton was held in the reign of Charles I. 6

As mentioned above, the surnames Walter and Watter were interchangeable so accordingly early rolls had a mixture of phonetic entries, both as a forename and surname.

The first record for the family was found in 1066 where the ancient Latin form of the name was listed, Walterusepiscopus. This entry was made at the time of the Conquest. Twenty years later, Robertus filius Walterii, Galterii was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Later Galterus le Lingedraper was listed at Oseney, Oxfordshire in 1210 and Petrus Walterus was listed at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1182. The Pipe Rolls for 1191 in Suffolk included an entry for Petrus Walteri and Geoffrey Walter was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. 4

Waterus de Cantelupo was listed in Lincolnshire c. 1135; Walterus, Walterus filius Herberti was similarly listed in Lincolnshire; John Watter was found in the Curia Regis Rolls for Warwickshire in 1214; Richard Wauter and Roger Watter were found in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275; Hugh Water was found in the Assize Rolls for Northumberland in 1279; Alice Waters in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1327; and John Wauters in Warwickshire in 1348. 4

Early History of the Walter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walter research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1189, 1412, 1566, 1604, 1611, 1628, 1629, 1630, 1675, 1678, 1847 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Walter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walter Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Walter have been found, including Walter, Walters, Watter, Watters, Walthew, Wattis and others.

Early Notables of the Walter family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

John Walter or FitzWalter (d. 1412?), an early astrologer, educated at Winchester and Oxford. He died at Winchester, and was buried there about 1412. 5
Sir John Walter (1566-1630), was an English judge, second son of Edmund Walter of Ludlow, Shropshire. 5
Henry Walter (1611-1678?), was a Welsh Anglican priest who became a Puritan; Sir John Walter (1566-1630), an English judge and Member of Parliament; and Sir William Walter, 1st Baronet (c 1604-1675)...

Walter World Ranking

In the United States, the name Walter is the 655^th most popular surname with an estimated 44,766 people with that name. 7 However, in France, the name Walter is ranked the 496^th most popular surname with an estimated 9,054 people with that name. 8 And in Australia, the name Walter is the 738^th popular surname with an estimated 5,276 people with that name. 9 New Zealand ranks Walter as 873^rd with 840 people. 10

Migration of the Walter family to Ireland

Some of the Walter family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walter migration to the United States +

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Walter were among those contributors:

Walter Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. Roger Walter, who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" 11
Anne Walter, who landed in Maryland in 1679 12

Walter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Casper Walter from England settled in New York in 1709 with his wife and nine children
John George Walter from England settled in New York with his wife and five children in 1709
Caspar Walter, who immigrated to America with his wife and their nine children in 1709
Christopher Walter, German who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1727 aboard the ship "William and Sarah" 13
Barnard Walter, aged 58, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Abraham Walter, who landed in Ohio in 1832 12
A. M. Walter, who settled in America in 1836
Baptiste Walter, aged 27, who landed in St Louis, Missouri in 1840 12
Mr. Fried. Walter, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Everhard", may have died onboard
Mrs. Walter, German who arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1845 aboard the ship "Everhard"
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walter migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Walter Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Miss. Mary Walter U.E. (b. 1778), aged 5 who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 41 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York, USA 14
Mr. Martin Walter U.E. who settled in Eastern District [Cornwall], Ontario c. 1784 14
Mr. Philip Walter U.E. who settled in Eastern District [Cornwall], Ontario c. 1784 14

Walter migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Walter Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Walter, English convict who was convicted in Kent, England for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
William Walter, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia 16
William Walter, Welsh convict from Glamorgan, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 17
Mr. Vincent Walter, (b. 1813), aged 25, Cornish farmer and miner travelling aboard the ship "James Pattison" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 11th December 1838 18
Mrs. Ann Walter, (b. 1813), aged 25, Cornish laundress travelling aboard the ship "James Pattison" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 11th December 1838 18
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walter Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century

"Mrs. Ann Walter, (b. 1775), aged 53, English laundress who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for life for assault, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 19

Walter migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Walter Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Richard Walter, aged 24, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Mr. Richard Walter, (b. 1816), aged 24, British farm labourer and gardener travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 20
Mr. John Walter, British settler, as the 2nd Detachment of New Zealand Corps of Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Minerva" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 8th October 1847 20
Mr. Alfred Walter, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Black Eagle" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th November 1861 20
Mrs. Sarah Walter, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Black Eagle" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th November 1861 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Walter Settlers in New Zealand in the 20th Century

Stanley Walter, aged 28, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926

Walter migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21

Walter Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. William Walter, (b. 1608), aged 26, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 22

Contemporary Notables of the name Walter (post 1700) +

Jessica Walter (1941-2021), American Primetime Emmy Award winning and two-time Golden Globe nominated actress, known for her role in the film Play Misty for Me
Andrew Walter (b. 1982), American football quarterback
Eugene Ferdinand Walter (1921-1998), American screenwriter, poet, short-story author, actor, puppeteer, gourmet chef, cryptographer, translator, editor, and costume designer
Bruno Walter (1876-1962), renowned German-born American conductor, known for his interpretations of Mahler and Mozart
Francis Eugene Walter (1894-1963), American Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives
John Walter (1738-1812), English businessman from Teddington Grove, Middlesex, founder of the "Times" newspaper
Harriet Mary Walter CBE (b. 1950), British actress and niece of renowned British actor Christopher Lee
David Ernest Walter QSO JP (1939-2020), New Zealand politician and journalist, first mayor of Stratford District Council (1989–1998)
Steffi Martin Walter (1962-2017), East German luger
Horst Walter (1939-2015), German footballer who played from 1957 to 1972, member of the East Germany National Team in 1962
... (Another 7 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Walter family +

Bismarck

Helmut Walter (b. 1916), German Maschinenmaat who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck (1941) during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he survived the sinking 23
Herbert Walter (1919-1986), German Maschinengefreiter serving aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he survived the sinking 23
Gerhard Walter (1923-1941), German Matrosengefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 23

HMS Hood

Mr. William F P Walter (b. 1908), English Warrant Engineer serving for the Royal Navy from Bognor Regis, Sussex, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24

Citations +

Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Egle, William Henry. Names of foreigners who took the oath of allegiance to the province and state of Pennsylvania... Edwin K. Meyers state printer, 1892
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1820 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1820
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 151 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1823
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, May 30). Ships' Passenger Lists of Arrivals in New South Wales on (1828 - 1842, 1848 - 1849) [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_nsw_1838_on.pdf
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm

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