Waldemar
Waldemar is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Famous ruler, bright power, or peaceful ruler.
Origin and history
Waldemar is a classic Germanic and Scandinavian masculine name derived from roots meaning famous ruler or powerful peaceful prince. Historically popular among Northern European royalty, it has remained a rare given name in the United States throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It carries a traditional, vintage European feel.
Popularity in the United States
1,510 babies in the United States have been named Waldemar since 1880. It ranks #3229 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1912.
States where it is most popular
- WI (41 %)
- MN (27.2 %)
- NY (15.5 %)
- IL (10.7 %)
- MI (3.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 23 |
| 1900-1910 | 51 |
| 1910-1920 | 308 |
| 1920-1930 | 350 |
| 1930-1940 | 175 |
| 1940-1950 | 73 |
| 1950-1960 | 82 |
| 1960-1970 | 108 |
| 1970-1980 | 94 |
| 1980-1990 | 93 |
| 1990-2000 | 70 |
| 2000-2010 | 47 |
| 2010-2019 | 21 |
| 2020-2029 | 15 |
Famous people named Waldemar
- Waldemar Bonsels: Author, Writer
- Waldemar Poulsen: Engineer, Inventor
Nicknames
Val, Waldo
Fun facts
- The name was borne by several medieval kings of Denmark, starting with King Valdemar I (Valdemar the Great).
- The Germanic name Waldemar is cognate with and was influenced by the Slavic name Vladimir.