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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…

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TyrannosaurusRights · 14/12/2021 23:57

@Classica it’s a bit of an insult in those circles. Being a Walt (as in Walter Mitty) - someone who makes up usually elaborate stories of being in the military.

DramaAlpaca · 15/12/2021 00:04

It's better than Wilfred but that's not saying much.

Anystarinthesky · 15/12/2021 00:11

I don't like it, I think it is the Beano connection.

LittleRoundRobin · 15/12/2021 00:22

Oooh, no. He WILL be called Wally. It's not 'posh' either @MistletoeMeadow So whoever told you that was pulling your leg.

Mumofgirls2017 · 15/12/2021 06:56

I like it and think popularity is rising… but hubby says it’s wet 😔

Original poster
MistletoeMeadow · 15/12/2021 07:54

@LittleRoundRobin
I’m not sure they were pulling my leg - they know an Earl with the first name Walter which I think is who they associate the name with. Regardless, being “posh” isn’t a positive attribute for me so it’s potentially a good thing that you say it isn’t.

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Original poster
MistletoeMeadow · 15/12/2021 07:56

@Mumofgirls2017
Funnily enough my DH not too enthusiastic for it either at the moment.

It means “strong warrior” so I’m surprised a few have said it sounds wet.

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MintyGreenDream · 15/12/2021 07:57

Breaking Bad

Largethighsbadeyes · 15/12/2021 08:01

I like it! I'd shorten it to Walt which I think sounds lovely and not common.

Classica · 15/12/2021 10:34

[quote TyrannosaurusRights]@Classica it’s a bit of an insult in those circles. Being a Walt (as in Walter Mitty) - someone who makes up usually elaborate stories of being in the military.[/quote]
Ah, I didn't know that. But it makes sense. I can imagine that an impressive and decorated (and fictional) military career ranks high on the lies that Walter Mitty types like to tell. Lots of fighter pilots I bet!

Enko · 15/12/2021 12:03

I love Walter as a name good choice

RuthW · 15/12/2021 12:20

Nice. I know a baby Walter

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.

drawhander · 15/12/2021 12:57

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

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:
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 .

Synchrony · 15/12/2021 21:08

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

CouncilHousedAndViolentBaby · 15/12/2021 22:53

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

Munchkinpumpkin · 15/12/2021 22:54

Love it, super cute

msc6199 · 15/12/2021 22:57

So cute! I love it

campion · 15/12/2021 23:02

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

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.

MatildaJayne · 15/12/2021 23:17

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

Luredbyapomegranate · 17/12/2021 00:04

I quite like it. Walt is a nice diminutive

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.