Luther is a name of German origin that means "army warrior". It is derived from the Germanic word "hlud", which means "loud" or "famous", and "heri", which means "army".
The name Luther gained popularity in the English-speaking world through Martin Luther, the German theologian who started the Protestant Reformation. He was born in 1483 and is known for posting his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany, which sparked a religious controversy that ultimately led to the division of Christianity into Catholic and Protestant branches.
The name Luther has been associated with strength and courage since ancient times. In Norse mythology, Luther was a god of war who was known for his bravery and valor on the battlefield. Throughout history, there have been many notable figures named Luther, including Luther Burbank, an American botanist and pioneer in agricultural science, and Luther Vandross, an American R&B singer-songwriter.
Today, Luther is still considered a strong and powerful name, often given to boys born into families with German or Scandinavian roots. It has also gained popularity among English-speaking parents who appreciate its historical significance and bold sound. Overall, the name Luther carries a sense of authority, determination, and strength that continues to appeal to parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The statistics show a significant decrease in the number of births named Luther over time. In the late 19th century, there were several hundred babies named Luther each year, peaking at 991 births in 1914 and reaching an all-time high of 1304 births in 1917. However, from the mid-20th century onwards, the number of annual Luther births began to decline steadily, dropping below 100 births per year in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By the 21st century, only a handful of babies were being named Luther each year, with the total reaching its lowest point in recent years at 85 births in 2007. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend indicates that the name Luther has become increasingly uncommon over time.