Meaning and history
Waltraud is a German feminine name from Germanic elements wald, “rule” or “power,” and trud, “strength.” It can be interpreted as “strong ruler” or “powerful strength.” The name belongs to a broad medieval Germanic tradition of combining two meaningful elements. Saint Waltrude of Mons, a seventh-century Frankish noblewoman and abbess, is an important related historical figure. Notable bearers include Austrian writer Waltraud Anna Mitgutsch and politician Waltraud Klasnic.