The name Walter has its origins in the Germanic language, derived from the elements "wald" meaning "ruler" and "heri" meaning "army." It can be translated as "commander of the army" or "ruler of the host." The name first emerged during the late Roman period, around the 4th or 5th century AD.

Walter was a popular name among the Frankish and Germanic peoples of central and western Europe. Its earliest recorded use was in the 6th century, appearing in various medieval records and chronicles. Similar spellings from this time include Waltharius, Waltherus, and Waltarius.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Walter of Aquitaine, a Frankish nobleman who lived in the 8th century. He served as a Count under the Carolingian dynasty and played a role in the wars against the Moors in southern France.

In the 9th century, Walter of Sens was a renowned Benedictine abbot and theologian. He was known for his contributions to the development of scholastic theology and his writings on the Eucharist.

During the Middle Ages, the name Walter was borne by several prominent figures. Walter the Chancellor was an English historian and courtier who lived in the 12th century and wrote an important chronicle of the Norman kings.

Walter de Copton, also known as Walter of Coventry, was a 13th-century English prelate and statesman. He served as Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and played a significant role in the political affairs of his time.

In the 14th century, Walter de Milemete was an English philosopher and scholar who wrote extensively on various subjects, including astronomy, astrology, and mathematics.

As the name spread across Europe, it was adopted by individuals from different walks of life, including noblemen, clergy, and scholars. Notable bearers of the name in later centuries include Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and writer (1552-1618), and Walter Scott, the renowned Scottish novelist and poet (1771-1832).