Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Walter

87 replies

MistletoeMeadow · 14/12/2021 16:58

Expecting a second baby boy next year. Interested in views on Walter, which I think I love but someone today told me it was “posh” sounding.

What do you think? Previously liked Wilfred but so many of those about now…

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
peaceinourtime · 18/12/2021 08:14

It's great and not one of the over popular boys names of the moment like Oscar or Alfie. Go for it.

Jeelypieces20storeys · 18/12/2021 03:19

Awful & wet.

HuntingoftheSnark · 17/12/2021 20:43

Anne Shirley's father was Walter, and she named one of her sons Walter too.

Original poster
MistletoeMeadow · 17/12/2021 20:35

@cheapskatemum
Thanks. Hadn’t thought of Sir Walter Raleigh. I think the most famous historical Walter in my mind was Sir Walter Scott. There are a few Walters in Dickens novels too.

OP posts:
Original poster
MistletoeMeadow · 17/12/2021 20:33

@Mamamamasaurus
I hope not!!

OP posts:
Theforest · 17/12/2021 11:28

There was a young boy in Lost called Walt and liked it then. Walter still sounds too old man to me though.

cheapskatemum · 17/12/2021 11:18

When I get bored in church I read the names of the men on the indoor memorial for those killed in WW1. Walter is the only name among them that hasn't made a major comeback. I assumed because of Where's Wally? There was a Walter Hottle Bottle in Jack & Jill comic. He had amazing night time adventures. I also thought of Sir Walter Raleigh. I love the short form Watt, as I know a Walt (in the armed forces, Walter Mitty sense). I say go for it. Good middle name too.

IcedBaileysOnly · 17/12/2021 10:06

I know a 7 year old American Walter. I love it. was a bit Hmm at first but the Walter in question is utterly adorable and his parents are two of the best people I know. He goes by Walt. I love it.

Mamamamasaurus · 17/12/2021 10:05

Will you be birthing a 90 year old?

Ceramide · 17/12/2021 09:45

Walter/Walt is nice and a refreshing change from some of the more popular vintage names. I also like Wilbur.

WildCherryBlossom · 17/12/2021 08:21

I know a little Walter. He is gorgeous. You couldn't fail to love the name after meeting him.

Frannibananni · 17/12/2021 05:57

I love Walter, could maybe live with it shortened to Wal but Wally is a terrible nickname.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 17/12/2021 05:45

My favourite W name is the timeless William despite it's popularity (just so many great namesakes!), but Wilfred is nice enough too in a retro Wilfred Owen sort of way (and the nn Wilfie/Wolfie is just adorable on a little one).

Walter would be my 3rd choice as it somehow feels even more retro to me than Wilfred, but I wouldn't worry about "Wally" - it's a bit of a dated insult and I suspect most Walter's get shortened to Walt (like Walt Whitman) instead.

Luredbyapomegranate · 17/12/2021 00:04

I quite like it. Walt is a nice diminutive

MatildaJayne · 15/12/2021 23:17

Walter the Softy from the Beano. But that’s showing my age, probably.

Kite22 · 15/12/2021 23:09

I think it fits with all the "old man names" that are very much in fashion, and have come across a couple recently BUT, I personally can't get past the idea of calling my child a wally.

campion · 15/12/2021 23:02

It isn't cute and it isn't posh. It's ok for a 90 year old. Just.

msc6199 · 15/12/2021 22:57

So cute! I love it

Munchkinpumpkin · 15/12/2021 22:54

Love it, super cute

CouncilHousedAndViolentBaby · 15/12/2021 22:53

Don't like it
And it's deffo posh but nowt wrong with that lol

Synchrony · 15/12/2021 21:08

I didn't used to like it until I read about Walter Hamilton who was very gallant!

yikesanotherbooboo · 15/12/2021 17:21

It isn't posh sounding.
It's a standard, fairly classic, now rarely used man's name with nns Wally or Walt.
I can see that some people would like it .

Original poster
MistletoeMeadow · 15/12/2021 17:01

Well now I’m really confused, some more positive opinions coming in! I guess there is no such thing as a name everyone loves

OP posts:
drawhander · 15/12/2021 12:57

Reminds me of my favourite book. The New Carpet by Walter Wall

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 15/12/2021 12:53

I really like Walter. My great uncle was Walter - he died at the age of 18 at Arras and was remembered so fondly by my great grandmother and grandmother that it has very strong positive associations for me.