Patronymic from Walter, Germanic 'wald' (rule) + 'heri' (army), meaning 'ruler of the army.'
Walters is a patronymic from Walter, the Germanic name built from elements meaning rule and army. As a surname turned given name, it carries a sense of family lineage and historical weight that feels practical rather than decorative.
The name sounds firm and traditional, with a straightforward authority. It may feel more familiar as a surname, but as a first name it has a serious, enduring quality. In modern use, Walters reads as rare, sturdy, and unmistakably heritage-based.