Waldemar
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Waldemar
Waldemar, which has 8 letters and 3 syllables, is a male name of German origin.
Meaning of Waldemar
Mighty / famous
Waldemar is a Germanic name meaning “ruler of the army” or “protector of the people”.
| Meaning | Mighty / famous |
| Origin | German |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity (US) | #978 in 1918 Declining Fast |
| Rarity (US) | Rare (Top 1000) |
| Era | Vintage (1900s) |
Background & History of The Name Waldemar
Waldemar is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German words "wald," meaning "ruler" or "mighty," and "māri," meaning "famous" or "renowned." Therefore, the name Waldemar can be interpreted to mean "mighty ruler" or "famous ruler." This name has centuries of history and has been used by various royal and noble families throughout Europe.
Waldemar has gained popularity in different countries over time. It is widely used in Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Denmark. In Germany, it reached the height of its popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Famous German individuals who bear this name include the respected novelist and playwright Waldemar Bonsels, known for his work "The Adventures of Maya the Bee," and the sociologist Waldemar Gurian, who was influential during the mid-20th century.
In Poland, the name Waldemar became popular in the late 19th century and has maintained its popularity to this day. It is often abbreviated to "Waldi" or "Waldiś" as a term of endearment. Notable Polish figures with the name include the talented football striker Waldemar Fornalik and the world-famous Polish theatre director and writer Waldemar Śmigasiewicz.
Waldemar can also be found in the Scandinavian countries, especially in Sweden and Denmark. In Sweden, its usage increased significantly during the 20th century and still remains relatively common. Danish-born Waldemar Ager was a renowned journalist and author, known for his significant contributions to Norwegian-American literature in the early 20th century.
The name Waldemar has a strong and noble resonance, evoking images of power and distinction. Its historical usage and cultural significance make it a name steeped in tradition and heritage.
Popularity Over Time
US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Waldemar over the years.
Similar German Baby Names
Check Initials
See what initials Waldemar would create with your last name.
Nicknames
Common nicknames and short forms for Waldemar.
Save This Name
Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.
Create Free Account