Map of Italy showing where the Alberti arms are recorded
The Alberti arms were recorded in Florence, c. 1685.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Italy in this period.
Victor Amadeus II of Savoy
Sovereign of the period
Victor Amadeus II of Savoy
1675–1730
Reigning in Italy when the Alberti arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Italy
In the Italian states, coats of arms were often used by noble families to show their status and history. These symbols were passed down through the generations to all legitimate male descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design but sometimes added small changes to distinguish their specific line from the main branch.
Granting authority
Various local rulers and city governments controlled the use of coats of arms across the different Italian states.
How they got arms
Families often assumed their own arms or received them as official grants from local lords, popes, or city councils.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in local city archives or private family books rather than in one single national register.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Italy.
Origin & History of the Alberti Family in Italy
The Alberti family name traces its origins to the medieval period in Italy, where it became deeply rooted in the social and political landscape of Florence. The name itself is derived from the Germanic personal name Adalbert, which translates to bright or noble. By the time the family was firmly established in Florence during the late 17th century, they were already part of a long tradition of influential citizens who shaped the city's growth. The Alberti were known for their active participation in the civic life of the region, often serving in administrative roles or contributing to the economic vitality of their home. Their presence in 1685 reflects a period when the family had already solidified its reputation as a stable and respected lineage within the Tuscan capital. Throughout their early history, the family maintained a strong connection to the urban development of Florence, helping to define the character of the city as it transitioned into the modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au dauphin nageant d'arg.”
Germanyc. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Alberti arms are recorded
The Alberti arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Italy when the Alberti arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Alberti Family in Germany
The family name Alberti has deep roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it evolved from the ancient Germanic name Adalbert. This name was composed of the elements "adal," meaning noble, and "beraht," meaning bright or famous. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the southern state of Bavaria. Records from 1765 confirm that members of the Alberti line were active participants in the social and economic life of this region during a time of significant transition. As the family settled into Bavarian towns, they often integrated into the local administrative and professional classes. This helped them maintain a stable identity as they navigated the changing political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who helped build the foundations of local communities through steady work and civic involvement.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à quatre A d'or, appointés en coeur et entrelacés d'une mâcle du même, ch. d'un cinquième A du sec.; l'A du chef ch. d'un P aussi d'or.”
Spainc. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the Alberti arms are recorded
The Alberti arms were recorded in Spain, c. 1722.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Castile.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Italy when the Alberti arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Spain.
Origin & History of the Alberti Family in Spain
The Alberti family name carries a long history that reflects the movement of people across European borders. While the name has deep roots in Italy, its presence in Spain became firmly established by the early eighteenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the Alberti family were living in the region of Castile by 1722. During this period, Castile served as a central hub for administration and trade, which likely attracted families looking to build new lives or serve in official capacities. As these individuals settled into Spanish society, they integrated into the local culture while maintaining the identity associated with their surname. This transition highlights how families often migrated to new lands to pursue opportunities, eventually becoming a recognized part of the regional history in areas like Castile.
Alberti Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Adalbert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning noble and bright or famous.
This name
AlbertiA patronymic or plural form indicating descendants of a person named Albert.
also spelled
Alberty
Albertee
Related arms
Castiglionchiosimilar arms
**Albert**variant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Brucker, Gene A., Renaissance Florence, 1969
Kent, F. W., Lorenzo de' Medici and the Art of Magnificence, 2004
Archivio di Stato di Firenze, Carte Strozziane, serie V
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
