Luther is a name of Germanic origin and it means "army warrior". It has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing the name such as Martin Luther King Jr., an American civil rights leader, and Martin Luther, a German Protestant reformer.
The name Luther first appeared in England during the Middle Ages. It was brought over by Anglo-Saxon settlers who settled in Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. At that time, it was mainly used as a surname. However, it eventually evolved into being used as both a first and last name.
In Germany, Luther is often associated with Martin Luther (1483-1546), who is considered one of the most influential figures in world history. He played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation by translating the Bible into German and challenging the Catholic Church's authority. His actions had a profound impact on Christianity, leading to the creation of Protestantism.
Today, Luther continues to be used as both a first and last name in many countries around the world. It is often seen as a strong, powerful name due to its meaning and association with notable historical figures. Despite its popularity throughout history, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names such as John or Michael.
The name Luther has been given to a total of 435 babies born in the United States between 1907 and 1969. The years with the highest number of babies named Luther were 1926, 1929, and 1932, each with 24 births. However, it's interesting to note that there was a significant drop in popularity after the 1920s, with the number of births per year ranging from 5 to 17 between 1937 and 1969.
Despite this decline, Luther remains an historic and respected name, often associated with figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who was born in 1929. It's a strong and unique name that has been carried on by families throughout the generations. While it may not be as commonly used today, it still holds significance and can be considered a classic choice for parents looking for something distinctive.
In terms of trends, Luther appears to have peaked in popularity during the early 20th century and then declined steadily over time. However, with its rich history and strong associations, it's possible that this name could experience a resurgence in popularity in the future.