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Walter vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Walter

Boy #271 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of the army"

Origin: Old High German

Cultural Roots

English German Scandinavian Dutch

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#271
Total SSA Count
1,264
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Kai

Boy #76 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"sea"

Origin: Hawaiian

Cultural Roots

Hawaiian Scandinavian Japanese American Chinese

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#76
Total SSA Count
4,276
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Walter Rank #271
Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #271 for Walter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walter or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Walter at #271 in the United States.

What do Walter and Kai mean?

Walter means "ruler of the army" (Old High German origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Walter and Kai boy or girl names?

Walter is primarily a boy name. Kai is primarily a boy name.

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