A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aquino family of Italy.
Reg. 1949 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'or à trois bandes de gu.; aux 2 et 3 coupé de gu. sur arg., au lion de l'un en l'autre.”
NaplesRome · Naples, c. 1775
Where the Aquino Arms Were Recorded
Naples
Map of Italy showing where the Aquino arms are recorded
The Aquino arms were recorded in Naples, c. 1775.
Naples was the largest city in Italy and the seat of a kingdom. Its noble houses were numerous, and the kingdom kept formal lists of the families entitled to arms, which is why so many appear in the records.
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 Aquino 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 Naples.
Origin & History of the Aquino Family in Italy
The surname Aquino originates from the historic Italian town of Aquino, located in the Lazio region between Rome and Naples. During the Middle Ages, families often adopted the names of the towns where they held land or lived, which allowed the Aquino name to become established among the local nobility and landowners. By the late 18th century, the family had a strong presence in the vibrant urban center of Naples. This city served as a major cultural and administrative hub, drawing families from the surrounding countryside who sought opportunities in trade, law, and government service. As the family settled into Neapolitan life by 1775, they became part of the complex social fabric of a city that was then one of the largest and most influential capitals in Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aquinius
Derived from the Latin word aqua meaning water.
This name
AquinoRefers to a person originating from the town of Aquino in Italy.
also spelled
Aquinoe
Akino
Related arms
Acquinovariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Caravale, Mario, Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, 1962
De Stefano, Francesco, Storia di Napoli, 1951
Archivio di Stato di Napoli, Stato Civile della Restaurazione
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
