Show ContentsLitteral History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Litteral is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Litteral family lived in Nottinghamshire. Many people think the name Luttrell was originally derived from the Old French word l'outre which means otter, but others believe the name could have been derived from Lutterell, a place in Normandy.

"Robert Lotrel and Hugh his son were benefactors to the Abbey of Barberie, Normandy and its foundation. Symon Mutro was mentioned in England in 1130." 1

"In England the Luttrells were first seated in Nottinghamshire. Geoffrey Loterel, who held Gamston in that county, and some other manors in Derbyshire, obtained a great Lincolnshire barony, with Hoton-Paganel in Yorkshire, through his wife Trethesenta, daughter of William Paganel , and in the end his sole heir. " 2

Early Origins of the Litteral family

The surname Litteral was first found in Nottinghamshire, but in Lincolnshire the aforementioned Sir Geoffrey de Luterel I (1160-1222), was courtier and confidante of King John. His son, Robert Luttrel was Lord Chancellor of Ireland (1238-1245) and his great grandson Sir Geoffrey Luttrell III (1276-1345) held a family seat at Irnham Hall at Irnham in Lincolnshire.

Yorkshire has some interesting entries about the family. "In the reigns of Henry I. and Stephen, Sir J. Luttrell (probably a grandson of the Norman warrior) held in capite, the manor of Hoton Pagnel which eventually devolved upon an heiress, who married John Scott, feudal Lord of Calverley, and Steward of the household to the Empress Maud. " 3

Later, a branch of the family held a family seat at Beskaby in Leicestershire. "The manor of 'Bescoldeby' was held in 1363 by Andrew Luttrell, for Croxton Abbey." 4

Early History of the Litteral family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Litteral research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1226, 1238, 1295, 1420, 1490, 1518, 1551, 1554, 1628, 1655, 1656, 1657, 1666, 1713, 1717, 1732, 1787 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Litteral History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Litteral Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Luttrell, Loteral, Lutteral, Lutterall, Lutterell and many more.

Early Notables of the Litteral family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir John Luttrell (c. 1518-1551), who took the Queen of Scotland prisoner on the field of battle; Francis Luttrell (1628 - 1666), an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1656 and 1666; Sir Thomas...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Litteral Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Litteral Ranking

In the United States, the name Litteral is the 11,350th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5

Ireland Migration of the Litteral family to Ireland

Some of the Litteral family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 157 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Litteral family

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, travelling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Litteral or a variant listed above: Walter Luttrell, who came to Barbados in 1635; James Luttrell, who settled in New England in 1759; Elizabeth Luttrell, who came to New Brunswick in 1824.



The Litteral Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Quaesita marte tuenda arte
Motto Translation: Things obtained by war must be defended by art.


  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3
  3. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
  4. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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