Luther Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: LOO-thur /ˈluːθər/
Origin: German; Latin
Meaning: German: army people; Latin: light
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Luther has its roots in the Germanic elements "hlud," meaning "fame," and "heri," meaning "army." This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to "famous warrior." The name was introduced into English through the influence of the Protestant Reformation, particularly associated with Martin Luther, a seminal figure in 16th-century Christianity. Luther's translation of the Bible into German and his role in challenging the Catholic Church's practices significantly impacted religious thought and practice in Europe, leading to the establishment of Protestantism.
Historically, Martin Luther (1483–1546) is the most notable bearer of the name. His Ninety-Five Theses, published in 1517, sparked widespread theological debate and ultimately contributed to the Protestant Reformation.
Luther's work not only transformed religious landscapes but also influenced the development of the German language through his translation of the Bible, which made the scriptures accessible to the common people. The name gained further prominence in various cultural contexts, particularly among Protestant communities, as a symbol of reform and religious conviction.
Culturally, the name Luther carries connotations of strength, resilience, and a commitment to one's beliefs. It has been associated with various historical figures beyond Martin Luther, including Luther Burbank, an influential American botanist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who contributed significantly to agricultural science.
The name's enduring legacy is reflected in its symbolic association with reformative movements and the quest for religious and personal integrity, making it a name of historical significance.
Famous people named Luther
Fictional characters named Luther
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Luther was first seen in the United States in 1880. Luther has ranked as high as #276 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Luther has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Luther (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 10 | |
| CA | 9 | |
| OH | 7 | |
| NY | 6 | |
| MI | 6 | |
| MN | 6 | |
| GA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 260 |
| 1881 | 249 |
| 1882 | 284 |
| 1883 | 229 |
| 1884 | 273 |
| 1885 | 259 |
| 1886 | 253 |
| 1887 | 267 |
| 1888 | 275 |
| 1889 | 270 |
| 1890 | 253 |
| 1891 | 236 |
| 1892 | 295 |
| 1893 | 271 |
| 1894 | 285 |
| 1895 | 269 |
| 1896 | 265 |
| 1897 | 271 |
| 1898 | 275 |
| 1899 | 248 |
| 1900 | 316 |
| 1901 | 244 |
| 1902 | 266 |
| 1903 | 265 |
| 1904 | 286 |
| 1905 | 308 |
| 1906 | 262 |
| 1907 | 280 |
| 1908 | 292 |
| 1909 | 347 |
| 1910 | 383 |
| 1911 | 394 |
| 1912 | 664 |
| 1913 | 747 |
| 1914 | 991 |
| 1915 | 1,198 |
| 1916 | 1,287 |
| 1917 | 1,304 |
| 1918 | 1,416 |
| 1919 | 1,378 |
| 1920 | 1,379 |
| 1921 | 1,453 |
| 1922 | 1,477 |
| 1923 | 1,333 |
| 1924 | 1,396 |
| 1925 | 1,333 |
| 1926 | 1,295 |
| 1927 | 1,258 |
| 1928 | 1,153 |
| 1929 | 1,120 |
| 1930 | 1,109 |
| 1931 | 958 |
| 1932 | 961 |
| 1933 | 878 |
| 1934 | 862 |
| 1935 | 832 |
| 1936 | 804 |
| 1937 | 863 |
| 1938 | 828 |
| 1939 | 765 |
| 1940 | 824 |
| 1941 | 843 |
| 1942 | 858 |
| 1943 | 843 |
| 1944 | 853 |
| 1945 | 708 |
| 1946 | 809 |
| 1947 | 826 |
| 1948 | 831 |
| 1949 | 744 |
| 1950 | 762 |
| 1951 | 683 |
| 1952 | 741 |
| 1953 | 687 |
| 1954 | 670 |
| 1955 | 696 |
| 1956 | 612 |
| 1957 | 584 |
| 1958 | 523 |
| 1959 | 522 |
| 1960 | 528 |
| 1961 | 491 |
| 1962 | 460 |
| 1963 | 443 |
| 1964 | 449 |
| 1965 | 395 |
| 1966 | 364 |
| 1967 | 285 |
| 1968 | 319 |
| 1969 | 335 |
| 1970 | 345 |
| 1971 | 316 |
| 1972 | 293 |
| 1973 | 248 |
| 1974 | 242 |
| 1975 | 236 |
| 1976 | 244 |
| 1977 | 234 |
| 1978 | 220 |
| 1979 | 237 |
| 1980 | 206 |
| 1981 | 231 |
| 1982 | 228 |
| 1983 | 213 |
| 1984 | 181 |
| 1985 | 172 |
| 1986 | 185 |
| 1987 | 155 |
| 1988 | 173 |
| 1989 | 190 |
| 1990 | 176 |
| 1991 | 145 |
| 1992 | 136 |
| 1993 | 147 |
| 1994 | 126 |
| 1995 | 105 |
| 1996 | 102 |
| 1997 | 101 |
| 1998 | 107 |
| 1999 | 88 |
| 2000 | 103 |
| 2001 | 90 |
| 2002 | 87 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 70 |
| 2005 | 99 |
| 2006 | 91 |
| 2007 | 85 |
| 2008 | 85 |
| 2009 | 78 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2011 | 79 |
| 2012 | 80 |
| 2013 | 87 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 99 |
| 2017 | 99 |
| 2018 | 113 |
| 2019 | 128 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 118 |
| 2024 | 119 |