Walter is a common male given name that has Germanic origins, meaning "ruler of the army." It has been widely used in various cultures and languages, often associated with strength and leadership. The name has many variations, including Gualtiero in Italian and Gustav in Scandinavian languages. In popular culture, Walter has appeared in various forms of media, including literature and television. Notable characters include Walter White from the series Breaking Bad and Walter Mitty from the short story by James Thurber. These portrayals often highlight themes of transformation and adventure.