Show ContentsLoterell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Loterell

What does the name Loterell mean?

The name Loterell reached English shores for the first time with the ancestors of the Loterell family as they migrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Loterell 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 Loterell family

The surname Loterell 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 Loterell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Loterell 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 Loterell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Loterell Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Loterell family name include Luttrell, Loteral, Lutteral, Lutterall, Lutterell and many more.

Early Notables of the Loterell 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 Loterell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Loterell family to Ireland

Some of the Loterell 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 Loterell family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Loterell family to immigrate North America: 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 Loterell 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.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook