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Baby names

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

Original poster

Walter?

38 replies

RainCheckMate · 05/05/2022 10:23

Yes or no?

It's been on the rise since the 90s and even though that rise is slowing it wouldn't be a surprise if it was in the top 200 or 150 in a few years. It's currently around 290th so not popular but by no means unheard of.

Would it be possible to avoid Wally in the same way that Williams avoid Willy?

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PeekAtYou · 05/05/2022 11:20

I wouldn't if your surname is White but not sure about Wattie.

grapewines · 05/05/2022 11:13

I just can't imagine looking at a newborn or a child and thinking Walter is a good choice. It's an old man's name.

Synchrony · 05/05/2022 11:12

Watt definitely like What. As in Wat Tyler.

I didn't used to like it but then I read about Walter Hamilton and it grew on me.

StrychnineInTheSandwiches · 05/05/2022 11:11

I don't think it's worst name in the world but I don't love it. I think in the UK the most famous Walter is Walter the Softy.

American Walters fare much better eg. Walt Whitman or Walter Matthau.

Wally and Wattie are both terrible names though.

Heyduggee123 · 05/05/2022 11:11

My dog is called Walter 😂 His NN is mainly Walt or Wallie

I personally love it (I didn't name him, he came to us at 6 months already called that and we decided to keep it)

Original poster
RainCheckMate · 05/05/2022 11:08

Maybe the nickname Wattie is an option? Should Watt be pronounced like "what" or to rhyme with "cat"?

OP posts:
Minikievs · 05/05/2022 10:53

Dreadful. I expect loads of posters will love it though.
Picture dropping him off in the playground. "Bye Walter!" Confused

DropYourSword · 05/05/2022 10:44

I think it's awful but it seems very popular on Mumsnet!

AmandaMirandaPanda · 05/05/2022 10:43

It's not my favourite, but I think it's fine. From a UK perspective I'd put it in the category of Bernard, Dominic, Martin, Raymond, Victor, etc. It's one of those names far more popular elsewhere in Europe (although often pronounced Valter) than in the UK.

The Walters I know are called Walter or Walt. The Wallys I know are Wallace or (in one case) actually legally Wally.

VintageGibbon · 05/05/2022 10:43

I like it. But you need to establish a nickname early on to avoid Wally, which is horrible.

kimberly489 · 05/05/2022 10:41

White?

womaniswomaniswoman · 05/05/2022 10:35

I'm sure it'll get a load of good vibes on this board, where old man names seem to be so popular, but I think it's dreadful.

I can't imagine seeing my beautiful squishy newborn for the first time and thinking 'yep, definitely a Walter'.

There are millions of lovely names out there.

Snowiscold · 05/05/2022 10:34

I really like it. Both Walters I know do have nicknames, but based on their surnames - Eg, a Mc-surname one is called Mac. But I like Walter in full.

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