A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Loftus family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 4724 · 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
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Map of Britain showing where the Loftus arms are recorded
The Loftus 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 Loftus 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 Loftus Family in Britain
The surname Loftus is a locational name that originated from the Old Norse words "lopt," meaning an upper room or loft, and "hus," meaning a house. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name likely lived in a prominent building with an upper floor, which was a notable architectural feature in medieval times. While the name has deep roots in Northern England, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the county of Kent by 1691. During this period, families often moved across the British Isles for work in agriculture or trade, and the presence of the Loftus name in Kent reflects the broader movement of people toward the prosperous southeastern regions of England. By the late seventeenth century, the family had become part of the local social fabric, contributing to the community life of the region as the name continued to spread through marriage and migration.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. a chev. engr. erm. betw. three trefoils slipped ar”
YorkSwineshead · York, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Loftus arms are recorded
The Loftus arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Loftus arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 York.
Origin & History of the Loftus Family in England
The surname Loftus is a locational name that originated from the Old Norse words "lopt," meaning an upper room or loft, and "hus," meaning a house. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name likely lived in a prominent building with an upper story, which was a notable feature in medieval architecture. While the name has roots in the North Riding of Yorkshire, the family established a firm presence in the city of York by the early 17th century. By 1620, records indicate that members of the Loftus family were integrated into the urban life of York, a city that served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England. During this period, families with this name were often involved in local commerce and civic duties, helping to shape the social fabric of the region as they moved from rural origins into the growing professional classes of the city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gyronny of eight ar. and sa. a saltire engr. betw. four fleurs-de-lis, the stems converging towards the centre all counterchanged”
DublinDublin, c. 1593
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Map of Ireland showing where the Loftus arms are recorded
The Loftus arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1593.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the Loftus arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Loftus Family in Ireland
The history of the Loftus family in Ireland is deeply connected to the political and religious shifts of the late sixteenth century. While the name has roots in England, it became a prominent fixture in Irish society when Adam Loftus moved to Dublin to serve as the Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. By 1593, the family had established a significant presence in the city, using their positions within the church and the state to secure land and influence. This period marked the beginning of the family’s long-standing role in Irish public life, as they integrated into the administrative structures of the time. Their rise to prominence was tied to the expansion of English authority in Ireland, which allowed the family to transition from newcomers to influential landowners. Over the following generations, the name became synonymous with the political elite who helped shape the governance of Dublin and the surrounding regions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Loftr
Old Norse term for air or sky.
This name
LoftusDerived from a place name meaning a dwelling with an upper room or loft.
also spelled
Loftes
Loftis
Loftouse
Related arms
Ellisrecorded with Loftus, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
