A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ancora family of Italy.
Reg. 5726 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande de gu., acc. de deux ancres de fer. D.: TENAX FUNDITUS.”
Italyc. 1775
Where the Ancora Arms Were Recorded
Venice
Map of Italy showing where the Ancora arms are recorded
The Ancora arms were recorded in Italy, c. 1775.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Venice.
Venice ran on trade, and its great families were merchants before they were anything else. The city kept a formal list of its noble houses, and a name on that list carried arms as a matter of record.
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.
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
Sovereign of the period
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
1763–1778
Reigning in Italy when the Ancora 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 Ancora Family in Italy
The family name Ancora finds its historical roots in the maritime culture of Italy, with the word itself meaning anchor in the Italian language. By the year 1775, records confirm that the family was well-established in Venice, a city defined by its deep connection to the sea and international trade. Given this setting, it is likely that the name was either adopted by those who worked in the busy shipyards or by families who served as prominent sailors and merchants during the height of Venetian commerce. Living in Venice during the late 18th century placed the Ancora family at the center of a vibrant hub of art, politics, and naval activity. As the family grew, they integrated into the social fabric of the city, contributing to the unique history of a region that served as a gateway between Europe and the East.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ancora
Derived from the Latin word ancora meaning anchor or hook.
This name
AncoraAn occupational name for a sailor or a symbolic name representing stability and hope.
also spelled
Ancorae
Ancorah
Ankora
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Venezia, Anagrafe di Venezia, Sezione dei cittadini, 1775
Tassini, Giuseppe, Curiosità veneziane, 1863
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
