Walter Rutherford

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Walter Rutherford — army ruler
599K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Walter Rutherford is a name that combines Germanic origins. The first name Walter is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. From the Old High German Waldhar, composed of wald (rule) and heri (army). A name common throughout medieval Europe. The surname Rutherford: The surname Rutherford, also Rutherfurd, is a Scottish and Northern English habitational surname deriving from a place in the Scottish borders region near Roxburgh. It is also a given name. Origin Rutherford is a Scottish border clan name. The name comes from a place-name in Roxburghshire on the south bank of the river Tweed, midway between Melrose and Kelso. A village there, then called Rothersfurth, was burnt and razed by an English army in 1545 and has disappeared from the map. Walter is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 599K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Walter reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Walter

Meaning: army ruler

Germanic

From the Old High German Waldhar, composed of wald (rule) and heri (army). A name common throughout medieval Europe.

Surname: Rutherford

Scottish

The surname Rutherford, also Rutherfurd, is a Scottish and Northern English habitational surname deriving from a place in the Scottish borders region near Roxburgh. It is also a given name. Origin Rutherford is a Scottish border clan name. The name comes from a place-name in Roxburghshire on the south bank of the river Tweed, midway between Melrose and Kelso. A village there, then called Rothersfurth, was burnt and razed by an English army in 1545 and has disappeared from the map.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Walter is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 46%
United Kingdom 24%
Germany 13%
Australia 9%
Canada 8%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Walter by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Walter Rutherford:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

2
Soul Urge Number

Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.

3
Personality Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Walter?
The first name Walter originates from Germanic. From the Old High German Waldhar, composed of wald (rule) and heri (army). A name common throughout medieval Europe.
When was Walter most popular?
The name Walter reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Rutherford?
The surname Rutherford originates from Scottish. The surname Rutherford, also Rutherfurd, is a Scottish and Northern English habitational surname deriving from a place in the Scottish borders region near Roxburgh. It is also a given name. Origin Rutherford is a Scottish border clan name. The name comes from a place-name in Roxburghshire on the south bank of the river Tweed, midway between Melrose and Kelso. A village there, then called Rothersfurth, was burnt and razed by an English army in 1545 and has disappeared from the map.
What are the origins of the name Walter Rutherford?
The name Walter Rutherford combines two different traditions: the first name Walter has Germanic roots, while the surname Rutherford originates from Scottish.
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