A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Loftis family of Britain.
Reg. 8180 · Britain, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de sa. au chev. engr. d'arg., acc. de trois trèfles du même; aux 2 et 3 gironné d'arg. et de sa., au saut. engr. de l'un en l'autre. C.: une hure de sanglier d'arg., le boutoir en haut. S.: deux aigles d'arg., chacun ch. sur la poitrine d'un trèfle de sin., le vol ouv. et abaissé. D.: PREND MOI TEL QUE JE SUIS.”
Britainc. 1691
Where the Loftis Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Loftis arms are recorded
The Loftis arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1691.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
Mary II of England
Sovereign of the period
Mary II of England
1689–1694
Reigning in Britain when the Loftis arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Britain.
Origin & History of the Loftis Family in Britain
PronunciationLOF-tiss/ˈlɒftɪs/
The family name Loftis is believed to have originated in England, with early records confirming that members of the family were settled in the county of Kent by 1691. The name likely evolved from a descriptive term or a place name, reflecting the common practice of identifying individuals by their location or specific traits in medieval society. As the family established roots in Kent, they became part of the local social fabric during a time of significant change in English history. Over the following generations, the name spread as family members moved to different regions, eventually crossing the Atlantic to participate in the growth of the American colonies. This migration pattern was typical for families of that era who were seeking new opportunities and land ownership. Today, the history of the Loftis name serves as a link to these early settlers who helped shape the communities where they first put down their roots.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Lofthús
Old Norse for loft or upper room and house.
This name
LoftisA topographic name for someone who lived in a house with an upper room or loft.
also spelled
Loftes
Loftis
Loftouse
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1797
Kent Archives. Quarter Sessions Records: Q/S/P. 1691
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
