Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Walter.
National Rank (2025)
#252
All-Time Peak Rank
#10 (1914)
Total U.S. Births
631,172
Unisex Distribution99.4% Boy / 0.6% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Walter Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Walter
According to SSA data, Walter achieved its highest historical rank of #10 in 1914. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1918 with 13,338 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have increased by 19.3%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Walter scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
+19.3% Growth
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record13,338Births in 1918
Years in Top 100
93yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:18,185
1890s:19,495
1900s:19,997
1910s:89,145
1920s:119,809
1930s:80,908
1940s:83,728
1950s:72,197
1960s:45,929
1970s:25,726
1980s:17,568
1990s:12,020
2000s:8,133
2010s:10,607
2020s:7,725
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesWal-ter
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with W, a letter used by only 1.1% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Walter? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics