A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Luther family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7696 · Britain, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“D'azur à une rose d'arg., ch. d'un coeur de gu., surch. d'une croix du second émail; le tout renfermé dans un cyclamor d'or [Armes attribuées au docteur Martin Luther.]”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Luther arms are recorded
The Luther arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Luther 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 Luther Family in Britain
The family name Luther has deep roots in the historical landscape of Britain, particularly within the county of Kent. By the year 1700, records confirm that members of the Luther family were already established residents in this region. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the ancient Germanic name Liuthar, which combines elements meaning people and army. While many people associate the name with the famous religious reformer, the families living in Kent often worked as farmers, tradespeople, or local landowners who helped shape the rural economy of the area. These early settlers were part of a broader movement of families who moved across the North Sea to settle in England, bringing their traditions and naming customs with them. Over the centuries, the name evolved through local dialects and spelling changes, eventually becoming a permanent fixture in the parish registers and legal documents of southeastern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“d'azur sur arg.; l'azur ch. de deux pommes d'or, les queues en bas, et l'arg. d'une rose de gu., bout. d'or. C.: un homme barbu iss., coiffé d'une couronne de roses de gu., hab. d'un parti d'azur et d'arg., au rabat de l'un à l'autre, tenant de sa main dextre une rose de gu., bout. d'or, tigée et feuillée de sin., et de sa sen. une pomme d'or, tigée et feuillée de sin. L. d'arg. et d'azur [Descendants d'un frère du grand-père du réformateur.]”
SaxonySaxony, c. 1570
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Map of Germany showing where the Luther arms are recorded
The Luther arms were recorded in Saxony, c. 1570.
Saxony had mines, trade and old landed families all at once. Silver made some fortunes and land held others, and both sorts of family kept arms, which is why Saxon names appear so often in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
1564–1576
Reigning in Britain when the Luther arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Saxony.
Origin & History of the Luther Family in Germany
The surname Luther finds its deep historical roots in the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, particularly within the state of Saxony. The name is derived from the Old High German personal name Liuthar, which combines the elements for people and army or warrior. By the time the family was firmly established in Saxony during the late sixteenth century, the name had evolved from a given name into a hereditary surname used to identify specific lineages. Families bearing this name were often integrated into the local agrarian or artisan classes, which were the backbone of the Saxon economy during the period of the Reformation and its aftermath. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, participating in the local governance and community life that defined life in the Holy Roman Empire. The presence of the family in Saxony by 1570 reflects a period of increased record-keeping in German parishes, which allowed families to track their ancestry with greater precision than in previous centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Barry of six az. and ar. in chief three round buckles of the last”
Irelandc. 1678
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Map of Ireland showing where the Luther arms are recorded
The Luther arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1678.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Luther 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Luther Family in Ireland
The history of the Luther name in Ireland is deeply connected to the social and religious shifts of the seventeenth century. While the surname is most famously associated with the German Reformation, its presence in Dublin by 1678 suggests that individuals bearing the name had migrated to the city during a period of significant movement between Britain, Europe, and Ireland. These early settlers likely arrived as merchants or skilled tradespeople, seeking new opportunities within the growing urban landscape of the Irish capital. By establishing themselves in Dublin, the family became part of a diverse community of newcomers who navigated the complex political climate of the Restoration era. Their presence in the city records from this time indicates that they were integrated into the local economy and social fabric, marking the beginning of a long-standing connection between the family name and Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Liut-hari
Derived from Germanic elements meaning people and army or warrior.
This name
LutherA name signifying a famous warrior or one who leads the people in battle.
also spelled
Luter
Luthere
Luthar
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, Parish registers for the Diocese of Canterbury, 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
