A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Waldemar since 1891
Babies named Waldemar per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Waldemar's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 23 |
| 1900s | 51 |
| 1910s | 308 |
| 1920s | 350 |
| 1930s | 175 |
| 1940s | 73 |
| 1950s | 82 |
| 1960s | 108 |
| 1970s | 94 |
| 1980s | 93 |
| 1990s | 70 |
| 2000s | 47 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 15 |
Meaning & origin
Waldemar has a long history yet remains rare today. First recorded in U.S. data in 1891, it peaked in 1906 and has been rising modestly since 2020, suggesting a quiet revival among parents seeking classic but uncommon names. Its dual Germanic and Slavic heritage gives it depth, while its strong meaning and royal associations keep it distinctive. Though not found in top states, Waldemar carries a bold, old-world charm that suits a child looking for a name with history and strength.
Waldemar is a name with contested origins. It may derive from the Old Slavic name Vladimir, meaning 'great ruler' (vladeti 'to rule' + meru 'great'), or from the Germanic elements wald 'power' and mari 'famous'. It was borne by several medieval Danish and Swedish kings, notably Valdemar the Great of Denmark. The name became common in Scandinavia and later spread to Germany and other parts of Europe.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Waldo, Wally, Val
Sibling names for Waldemar
Names that share Waldemar's style, for a brother or sister.
