A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Balsamo family of Italy.
Reg. 8761 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé d'arg. sur gu.; à deux ceps de vigne, tigés et pamprés de sin., fruités de grappes de raisin au nat., passés en double sautoir, br. sur le coupé et mouv. d'une terrasse de sin.”
ItalyMilan, c. 1775
Where the Balsamo Arms Were Recorded
Milan
Map of Italy showing where the Balsamo arms are recorded
The Balsamo arms were recorded in Milan, c. 1775.
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 Balsamo 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 Balsamo Family in Italy
The family name Balsamo originates from the Mediterranean region and is deeply rooted in the linguistic history of Italy. The name is derived from the word balsam, which refers to a fragrant, healing resin used in ancient medicine and religious rituals. Historically, this suggests that early ancestors may have been apothecaries, herbalists, or merchants who traded in these valuable aromatic substances. By the late 18th century, the family had established a clear presence in Milan, a major center for commerce and culture in Northern Italy. Records from 1775 indicate that members of the Balsamo family were active participants in the urban life of the city during this period of significant social and economic change. Their movement from the southern regions of Italy toward the industrial and intellectual hubs of the north reflects the broader patterns of internal migration and professional advancement common among families of that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Balsamum
Latin term for the aromatic resin or balm of a tree.
This name
BalsamoAn occupational name for a merchant or apothecary who traded in medicinal balms.
also spelled
Balsame
Balsam
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fucile, Salvatore. I cognomi d'Italia. 1987
Archivio di Stato di Milano, Anagrafe Civile
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
