NAME HISTORIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20252, 11 May 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

NAME HISTORIES.

WALTER. This name, which ■ signifies • "a powerful warrior," has its origin in the old Teutonic word " Waldo " or " Waltc," meaning " might " or " power." It was essentially a battle-name, and greatly used by tho descendants of the Vikings and the heroes of the North. Also by the Normans, who occasionally used it as a surname, such as Fitz-Walter. It was popular among all warlike races to whom might and power and courage were the highest attributes a man could possess.

It is interesting,; too, as it comes from the same source as the word " world, 1 ' itself something that is mighty and powerful. It was always used in this form till the b.eginnng of the fourteenth century, when tlie French gave it the alternative spelling of Gautier and Gualtier, and the Portuguese of Gualterio, which somehow seems rather to lessen the dignity of the fine, old, Northern word.

Its English form has always been Walter, hut in old French it was " Waltier," and the Old Franks " Waldheri " and " Walther." After the passing of the old warriors its fame retained by the person of Walter Yon der Vogehveid, the Minnesinger, i who, desiring to 1 be buri'ed in Warzburg Minster, left all his money and possessions to the monk thereof, with the request that they should feed the birds every noon-tide on his grave, saying " From these wandering minstrels I have learned the art of song. Let me now repay the lessons they have taught so well and long." The monks, alas did not keep their promise, but the birds were/true, and daily sang their carols ovec Walter's resting place.