Valters is the Latvian form of Walter, a masculine given name and also a surname. The name traces its roots to the Germanic name Waltheri, composed of the elements walt meaning "power, authority" and heri meaning "army", thus conveying the meaning "power of the army". Etymology and Historical Context In medieval Germanic legends, Walter of Aquitaine appears as a heroic Visigothic king in the epic poem Waltharius by Ekkehard of Saint Gall. The name was also borne by an 11th-century French saint, Walter of Pontoise. The Normans introduced Walter to England, where it supplanted the Old English cognate Wealdhere. Across Europe, the name evolved into numerous variants, including Swedish Valter, Dutch Wouter and Wolter, and the Frisian short form Wout. Notable historical bearers include the English courtier and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (1552–1618) and the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832), author of Ivanhoe and other classics. Usage in Latvia In Latvia, Valters serves both as a given name and as a surname (with the feminine form Valtere). As a given name, it reflects the broader cultural adaptation of Germanic names in Baltic languages. Several Latvian athletes and public figures bear the name, including: Valdis Valters (born 1957), Latvian basketball player Sandis Valters (born 1978), Latvian basketball player Kristaps Valters (born 1981), Latvian basketball player Valters Āboliņš (born 1985), Latvian orienteer Valters Frīdenbergs (1987–2018), Latvian musician and TV presenter Valters Nollendorfs, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and board chair of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia The surname Valters has been borne by notable Latvians such as the politician and diplomat Miķelis Valters (1874–1968) and the poet Aspazija (Elza Valtere, 1865–1943). Cultural Significance Valters contributes to the rich tapestry of Latvian onomastics, illustrating how Germanic roots have been localized. The name retains its association with strength and leadership from its etymological 'power of the army', while in modern Latvia it is respected through the achievements of sportsmen, artists, and academics. Meaning: "Power of the army" Origin: Germanic via Latvian adaptation of Walter Type: Given name and surname Usage Regions: Latvia primarily, also used in diaspora communities